Davies hits out at event ‘snub’

OLDHAM’S Lib-Dem Euro-MP has hit out at the absence of political parties from an event highlighting voluntary groups.

Chris Davies claimed Saddleworth Parish Council failed to invite the parties to this weekend’s showcase in Saddleworth.

He said it appeared parish councillors were ashamed of the democratic process, adding: “The voluntary showcase is an excellent event and the parish council should be congratulated.

“But all parish councillors were elected as volunteers for their political party and everyone has got a party label next to their name.

“Why aren’t the political parties invited? We’re as much volunteers as anyone else and local parties are part of Saddleworth.

“It seems people are ashamed of the democratic process.

“Well, I’m not ashamed. I’m banging the drum for democracy.”

About 50 groups and societies will set up stall at the civic hall, Uppermill, for the three-day event, from tomorrow until Sunday. It will be opened by the Mayor, Councillor Shoab Akhtar, at 7.30pm tomorrow.

However, Mr Davies’s fellow Liberal Democrat, parish council leader Brian Lord, said invites were sent to all voluntary bodies on a centrally-held list which did not include political parties.

He said: “This weekend was purely aimed at letting voluntary groups show off their work and, hopefully, recruit new members.

“If any political group had asked for a place it would have been considered, but none did.”

He added: “I honestly don’t think that the public see political groups as voluntary bodies although we as parish councillors do what we do for no reward whatsoever.

“Perhaps Chris should accept that he is the only person in Saddleworth who felt the need to have politics included in this weekend’s event.”

Town clerk Tony Marlor said no decision was made to exclude political parties.

He said: “The matter has gone through three or four parish council meetings and we’ve had no request from a political party until last week. By the time Mr Davies got in touch, we were already full.

“There has never been a decision not to invite political groups, it was just something that wasn’t thought of by any parish councillor.”