Grass-cutting row leads to councillor resignation
ARGUMENTS over grass-cutting in a Cheltenham suburb has led to a councillor quitting his position.
Roger Whyborn resigned from Up Hatherley parish council yesterday after having a request for a matter to be discussed dismissed by the chairman, Stuart Fowler.
Mr Whyborn, who will continue to represent the ward on Cheltenham Borough Council, said the string of emails over the grass-cutting, which were leaked to the Echo, was the "straw that broke the camel's back".
He said: "My resignation is basically down to time commitments. You can only get so much done in the best run parish council and, as a borough councillor, cabinet member and the chairman of St Margaret's Hall, I don't feel I have the time to input to the parish council."
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Mr Whyborn, 60, emailed the parish council requesting a debate on the mowing of Long Mynd Avenue following a resident's complaint the green had mown grass strewn over it, adding to her hay fever.
She wanted the cuttings to be picked up.
In response, parish council chairman, Stuart Fowler, said in the email: "I have now had a look for myself, and I am afraid she is talking nonsense.
"The simple point is that those residents living in that corner would like us to maintain an ornamental green, which we have never done. We have followed normal practice in the town."
Mr Whyborn then requested her complaint was "treated seriously, and with respect".
Mr Fowler emailed back stating: "Of course this matter has been treated seriously, but correspondence is for exactly that. If she wishes to write to the parish council, she will receive a written reply.
"We haven't got time to waste on a debate on such a trivial matter and neither have other members time to walk the ground."
Mr Fowler went on to offer the chance for it to be raised orally at the meeting, which Mr Whyborn was unable to attend because of a clash of meetings.
The email exchange ended with Mr Whyborn stating: "I think it's time we parted company. Enough is enough."
He wrote to the council yesterday, handing in his resignation with immediate effect.
Mr Whyborn added: "The emails were the straw that broke the camel's back, but my resignation was about getting more than an answer.
"All I wanted to do is get a sensible and considerate answer from the parish council. I wanted a more reasoned and balanced answer than I got."
Mr Fowler said he did not wish to comment.
Comments
by john1919
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 9:16PM
“The irony of it all. During the local elections councillor Whyborn questioned how the conservative candidate was planning to sit on this council and remain councillor in another constituency. It seems that he's now decided his own various commitments have proven too much to fit in!”
by gallopingbear
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 6:49PM
“Hmmm, story leaked by who I wonder. Shame, it seems to have backfired. Still, it makes a rather comical story!”
by Bonkim2003
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 6:22PM
“Temper-Tantrums from the Councillor. It is for the parish chair to decide what is appropriate topics to be discussed at parish meeting. And grass cuttings - get real Lady - people are lucky to have it cut at all. If you feel strongly about it - take a brush and sweep it yourself. Good Citizens help out.”
by Kay_Powell
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 5:52PM
“What a ridiculous story. Hay fever can't be caused by cut grass, only by breathing in pollen. It is unlikely that the grass had even had a chance to produce pollen anyway. Only grass that is left uncut for a long time can produce pollen.”
by CBCGCCMORONS
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 10:53AM
“The biggest problem is that the grass is so long at some roundabouts and intersections, that it blocks the drivers view from on coming traffic. Only until theres a serious accident will the council pull there fingers out. They say its too long for lawn mowers or tractors. Well heres an idea that will make the council greenies all gooey on the who carbon footprint b.s. Get a human and put a sythe in there hands and tell them to start cutting.”
by Alphonso2
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 10:36AM
“Did you fail the interview for the Diplomatic Service Mr Fowler? Elected representatives should treat their electorate with respect.”
by TheSpeller
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 10:05AM
“Classic example of where the Big Society should be assisting with keeping down Council costs.
If you want your neighbourhood to look 'a cut above' the average, get out there and do it yourself - no-one is going to complain about that.
Some refreshing plain speak from Cllr Fowler about the realities of running local services on a tight budget.”
by Douglasknows
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 9:53AM
“Well said Mr Fowler and I don't expect Mr Whyborn (great name) will be missed too much.”
by MimiGallagher
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 9:52AM
“The real issue isn't about grass cutting it seems to me it is about whether or not a parish councillor can raise an issue at the council that a parishioner has asked to be discussed. Goodness me they could at least let the lady's views be heard at council even if the discussion concludes that there is nothing that can be done.”
by cheltenham20
Tuesday, July 03 2012, 9:47AM
“tig forum, but this is a classic, lady wants the grass picked up, well get out and pick it up, Councilor is perfectly right, absolute trivia... where i live the grass is mowed and collected sometimes left on the groundwe get some stupid storys in the ,,,' That'll be me' its no big deal, lady moaner 'get a life'.....Ask the council nice and they'll put some hanging baskets up for you....”