'It's been a difficult year'

Newbury Town Council leader praises staff after turbulent 12 months

IT HAS been, by its own leader’s admission, a difficult year for Newbury Town Council.

In July 2014, its former deputy leader Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera resigned after ‘whistleblowing’ that the council missed out on the chance to claim back £50,000 of legal fees in its ongoing dispute with Parkway developer Costain.

It then had to contend with the resignation of its former responsible financial officer Anne Graham in August 2014 and former chief executive Graham Hunt two months later.

Earlier this month, the town council was forced to publish damning reports that point to building works by Costain as the “most likely explanation” for subsidence to Victoria Park.

Council leader Julian Swift-Hook (Lib Dem, Pyle Hill) said: “Staffing issues and vacancies over the last 10 months have been challenging for the town council, but we have worked through the problems, carefully following due process and taking and following advice where needed.

“The commitment of our loyal staff has been exceptional, and members have gone beyond what might normally be expected of volunteers – all this to make sure that we continue to deliver the best service possible to the residents of Newbury.”

He added: “Under my leadership, our internal business controls have been excellent, as the latest internal audit shows, and our budget is prudent and well-managed.”

However, other parties say the difficult year indicates ‘a time for change’.

Among them are the Apolitical Democrats, who will field four candidates – all in the Northcroft ward.

One of them, Simon Kirby, said: “We are fighting for openness and transparency. We feel that the town council is not serving or protecting the precept payers in the way it should be and that’s why there needs to be a change.

“We are not afraid of challenging people and not afraid of disagreement. We are confident that now is the time.”

Mr Swift-Hook responded: “Of course the opposition political parties are calling for a change – I would expect nothing less, there’s an election on and they want to get elected.

“As election day gets closer, the petty political point-scoring gets more intense, especially from those who claim not to be into party politics, interestingly.”

The Conservative Party, which has 11 members on the town council, will be fielding 23 candidates for the 23 available seats.

Leader Tony Stretton (Con, Clay Hill), who is also standing in the district council elections for Thatcham North, said: “It is time for some fresh input and that can only be achieved by a change of administration. That change is Conservative.”