Kidwelly Town Council
Here is an extract from the Gwendraeth Star from the 25th July. It makes me wonder what the point of community councils.
Here is an extract from the Gwendraeth Star from the 25th July. It makes me wonder what the point of community councils.
Councillors’ Gag Claim
A Kidwelly councillor claims she and other members of the town council are being gagged from speaking to the media outside of the monthly meetings.Councillor Dena Lloyd said under a new policy no councillor is allowed to speak out on important matters affecting the town.
The new rule states any comments councillors wish to make to the media must now be directed through the council clerk, Malcolm MacDonald.
Councillor Lloyd said: “As an elected representative of the people of this town, I feel I have a duty to raise and discuss key and important issues affecting their everyday lives.”
Councillor Lloyd added that the restrictions placed upon councillors to “run everything passed the clerk” was undermining their role.
“This is being gagged and if we cannot get matters out there by going independently to the press and radio to inform the public, then I feel like I am failing in my elected position.”
Councillor Lloyd said she was unaware of other town and community councils imposing the same rule about contacting the press with stories.
Kidwelly resident Julian Edwards said he thought the council were being overcautious. He said: “What the council discusses is nothing of national importance - it’s not like they’re talking about the war in Iraq.
“If it’s about a person then I can understand but if it’s about the park or some other issue then personally I don’t see a problem in councillors going directly to the press.”
Former councillor Peggy Davies added: “I think most voters would be pleased to think that councillors are taking notice of what’s going on around the town.”
Mr MacDonald said: “What I am trying to do is to create a defined and clear policy on how we can address media inquiries. The council asked for the policy to be adhered too.
“What we’re trying to do is to make sure it’s a co-ordinated approach.
“I will be the main point of contact which will make it easier for the press.”
They’re just fortunate that the Star did not interview me about the entire thing. It’s all just extremely childlike.