I feel I must comment on the misleading and mischievous comments made the Liberal Democrat Councillors in connection with the setting of the 2010/11 budget by the Town Council.The claim made by Richard Freeman that the Conservative Town Councillors were in any way “required” by their colleagues on Uttlesford District Council to take on responsibility for the towns open spaces is, as he is well aware, completely false.

This transfer of the open spaces, Bridge End Gardens and the Cemetery has been the policy of the Town Council and was first proposed by Conservative Councillors two years ago. The discussion on the transfer was instigated by the Town Council not U.D.C. I know that because it was my motion to the Town Council which started the process.

Mike Hibbs’ excuse for not voting against any item in the new budget, but choosing with his colleague to abstain, can only be explained by his unwillingness to be honest with the people of Saffron Walden and tell them exactly which part of the budget he opposes. It was noticeable that he offered no alternative proposals.

The Conservative Councillors are proud to have returned control of the public spaces in Saffron Walden to the people of the Town. We believe in local control of local assets, and that will remain our policy.

Cllr David Watson
Audley Ward
Saffron Walden Town Council
 

Tags: Liberal Democrats Uttlesford