Public meeting attracts... no one

Not a single member of the public turned out to quiz the Saddleworth Parish Council last night at its annual general meeting.

Outgoing chairman Councillor Alma McInnes was disappointed residents had not taken the opportunity to see what the council had done over the past year.

Councillor Ken Hulme said: “When not a single member of the public turns up to the AGM — when they have the right to hold the council to account for its actions — it’s clear the parish council has become moribund and irrelevant to the life of the community in Saddleworth.”

The parish reported the success of the community toilet scheme, the publication of a parish plan and how it had donated £2,600 in special project donations.

Councillor Keith Begley will take over as chairman next Monday.