Sit down, shut up

‘Disruptive’ Warren slapped with six-month area committee ban

AN OUTSPOKEN Failsworth resident has been banned from attending area committees — believed to be the first banning order ever issued.

Warren Bates (69) was sent a letter from Paul Entwistle, acting borough solicitor for Oldham Council, informing him of the six-month ban.

Mr Bates, from Stanhope Way, said it was a sad day for democracy but he would comply with the ban.

He said: “I’m shocked and gobsmacked. The way they have done this is absolutely terrible — my human rights have been violated.

“It’s like giving me an ASBO. I’ve not had the chance to defend myself.”

Mr Bates, a member of the Green Party, said he believed the ban was a political move as he is intending to stand as a local councillor in the 2010 elections.

He added: “All I’ve had for years is ‘sit down and shut up’ from consecutive Labour party chairs. I’m Failsworth through and through — and a council tax payer.”

The letter said concerns about his disruptive and intimidating behaviour had been raised. It stated Mr Bates refused to respect requests by the chairman and others to control his behaviour which had a significant impact on the meeting.

The letter also stated if it was felt his actions would cause disruption at future meetings, the ban would be extended.

Mr Entwistle, said: “The council has written to Mr Bates on several occasions regarding his conduct.

“Public participation is actively encouraged but in this case the level of disruption was making it difficult for the meetings to run properly. We had no option.”

The next Failsworth Area Committee will be held at the Salvation Army Community Church, Oldham Road, on Monday at 7pm.