‘Ban has made me look a bully’

Warren fights to clear his name

OUTSPOKEN Warren Bates has written to the Ombudsman in a bid to clear his name after being banned from attending council meetings.

Mr Bates (69) was banned in March from attending area committee meetings for six months following concerns about his behaviour.

Mr Bates, from Stanhope Way, said he has sent numerous letters to Oldham Council about the ban, including asking for an appeals procedure to begin, but has had no response.

He said: “I want to clear my name.

“I tried to do my best quietly, through procedures, but now I have filled out a complaints form and sent it to the Ombudsman.

“I’m hoping to get an appeal hearing of some sort from the council.”

Paul Entwistle, the council’s borough solicitor, originally wrote to Mr Bates after concerns about his behaviour were raised.

The letter said Mr Bates had refused to respect requests by the chairman and others to control his behaviour which had a significant impact on the meeting.

It also said the ban would be extended if it was felt his actions would cause disruption at future meetings.

Mr Bates said he sought legal advice over the ban and was told the only person who could ban him from political meetings at the council was the Mayor.

He said: “I’ve been made to look like a bully and a thug, especially when security guards were sent to the area committee meeting.

“I’ve asked for the minutes of the meeting when the decision to ban me was taken but haven’t received a thing.

“I’ve only had one response, from council leader Howard Sykes. I would have expected one from the chief executive Charlie Parker.”

Mr Entwistle said: “There is no internal process whereby Mr Bates can appeal against the decision to exclude him from the meetings for the period specified.

“This period is due to end in September.”