Councillor pushed after making 'pig face' during Swanley town meeting

Throughout the discussion, audience members brayed councillors, Councillor Ray Moriss made a pig-face gesture at one Swanley resident and was pushed at end of the meeting, which took place at The Woodland, October 7.

Emotions spiked as residents’ questions over the new 300 per cent hike in community space hiring fees were left unanswered as others walked out.

It was announced that of the 29 community groups that use the Clock Tower Pavilion, The Olympic and The Woodlands community centres - only 13 have renewed their contracts.

Distressed parents David and Debra upset about the outcome of the meeting  

David Jones, 61, from Birchwood Road, whose 27-year-old daughter is part of the Cygnet Club community group for adults with severe learning difficulties, said: “We are shocked about the condescending attitude by the council.

“Our daughter’s group have been thrown out and have moved from the centre because of the disgusting way they were treated, there was no negotiating at all, the group cannot afford the new prices.”

Mr Jones’ wife, Debra, 60, added: “Our daughter doesn’t understand the change.

“It’s disturbing for the group as whole because they don’t understand why they have to move.

During the meeting mayor John Barnes told a representative of Cygnets: “At the end of the day my heart goes out to you, but economics dictates.”

Swanley residents were outraged when the mayor and other councillors were unable to answer the majority of questions put to them.

The WI group have been adversely affected by the price hike and can no longer afford the rates

Another group deeply disappointed with the way the price rises were announced was the Swanley Womens’ Institute.

President Shirley Simms, 75 of Mayes Close said: “We were appalled to receive two weeks notice of a 300 per cent rent increase imposed by Swanley Town Council.

“No responsible senior staff at the Town Council were available to answer queries as they went on holiday after issuing the letters.

“We can’t possibly afford these rates.

“The way this has all been done is shocking.”

The group’s secretary, Jill Fittock, 72 of Crescent Gardens said: “We all feel let down.

“All the members are so upset.

“I just can’t believe it.”

A supporter of the group, and former councillor Angela George, 51 of Conifer Way added: “None of the council have accepted or taken responsibility for this.

“There is no accountability.

“They push the blame on the officers but it was approved by the council.”

Coun Michael Hogg has slammed the hike.

The councillor for St. Mary's ward said: “I am pretty appalled.

“To inflict that sort of increase over night was criminal.

“The council did not put up a very good performance here.

“The people were obviously very upset about what happened and they could not answer any of the questions put to them.”

Due to the legal statute and structure of the public meeting - an open forum for residents to have a formal meeting to discuss affairs of the parish, questions like the executive's decisions to only give community groups two weeks to handle the price rise were not handled.

TOP STORIES: Secretary of the Cygnet Club, Rebecca Brown, 32, of Highfurs said: “We’re talking about vulnerable people with autism and severe learning disabilities who find it very difficult to deal with change.

“It is a huge upheaval and its is very distressing for our members.”

“The council came across like they didn’t care.”

Letters announcing the increase were sent in the middle of August but several groups complained council staff were on holiday at the time and therefore their complaints could not be dealt with.

The queue curled round the building as residents waited to attend the meeting

Price rises were put into effect September 1.

Four clubs including the Monday and Thursday Club will still receive rooms free of rent.

Coun Robert Brookbank of Christchurch & Swanley Village said: “The legality of this meeting has been done in exactly the way it was supposed to be carried out.

“That is unfortunately how it is done.

“It is very embarrassing but that is the legal structure.”

Mayor John Barnes added: “The decision to increase the hire fees was taken because various organisations had been taking advantage of the hiring system… and if continued would have bankrupted Swanley.

“New hiring rates were proposed that were in line with the actual cost of the venue.

“I must apologise for the narrowness of the meeting, this was due to a strict agenda question and The Local Government Acts.”

Coun Ray Moriss pushed at town meeting
 
If you are a leader or member of a group affected by the recent price rise email james.parsons@london.newsquest.co.uk

Five things you missed at the Swanley parish meeting

1. Residents relocated at the beginning of the meeting to a bigger room to handle the number of residents

2. Coun Ray Moriss pulls a pig face at an audience member and in return is pushed at the end of the meeting

3. Residents made barking seal noises at councillor Victor Southern as he attempts to relay the recent rise in hiring fees

4. Members of the audience storm out unsatisfied with a lack of answers

5. £250 damage deposit fee paid by clubs prompts mayor to agree to look into it