Council to continue to allow speaking at public meetings

PEOPLE in Portishead will continue to be able to have their say at town council meetings - following a wave of protest at suggestions the public session could be scrapped.

Placard waving protesters staged a demonstration outside the Folk Hall at the monthly town council meeting to object to possible changes to rules on public speaking.

Local residents waving placards with the slogans 'Give us a choice, give us a voice' and 'public participation should not be banned' said they were furious that the public speaking session at the start of the monthly meeting may be withdrawn.

Councillors called for a review of procedures after raising concerns that some residents were abusing their right to speak and raise issues with members.

Councillors said some people used the session to make personal attacks at them rather than talk on issues affecting the town, while other spoke for over the allocated five minute time period.

Members of the public are given slots of five minutes each with a maximum of 15 minutes of public participation being allowed, although this can be extended at the discretion of the chairman.

But residents were furious at any moves to introduce a gagging order on the public.

Resident Lorraine Rousell said: "We rely on a hardy bunch of residents who keep the council on its toes.

"If councillors can't cope with criticism then perhaps local politics is not the place for them and if they can't take the heat then they should get out of the kitchen.

"What a sad place Portishead will be of we are unable to say what is on our minds.

"Councillors need to take a deep breath and listen to what the public is trying to tell them as perhaps it is something worth listening to."

Local campaigner Annette Hennessey said she no longer had confidence in local politics in Portishead and would no longer attend the monthly meetings.

Mrs Hennessey said: "At a time when the National Association of Local Councils issued a new standing order models to formalise its position that these sessions form part of a council meeting in law, it is a concern that this council would even consider the option to remove public speakers from meetings."

Resident and former town councillor Leise Stanley said: "It is your role as councillors to listen and represent the local people.

"All questions I have heard have been asked respectfully and politely.

"If public speaking is removed the town council will be acting directly against the democratic rights that people of this town expect and deserve."

The town council does not have a statutory duty to provide time within meetings for the general public to ask questions and raise issues of concern.

After some debate, councillors agreed to retain the status quo for public speaking.

Council vice chairman, Councillor John Clark, said: "If we put ourselves up for elected positions, then we are fair game.

"It is perfectly reasonable for residents to come to the meeting and make points."

Portishead Town Council chairman, Councillor Arthur Terry, said: "Members felt the issue surrounding public speaking at the start of meetings should be reviewed.

"I am happy for the status quo regarding public speaking to be retained.

"Members of the public and the council have both had an opportunity to discuss the issue."