County council told behaviour 'deplorable'

From the Abingdon Herald, first published Monday 18th Dec 2006.

ABINGDON Town Council's ruling Liberal Democrat group has launched a scathing attack on Oxfordshire County Council over its decision to scrap consultative steering groups that help shape town transport schemes.

Councillors directed their fire at David Robertson, the county council's cabinet member with responsibility for transport.

He insisted that local opinion would not be ignored by new working groups.

At their latest meeting, several members of the Abingdon council criticised the decision to abandon the steering group for the Abingdon transport strategy, known as AbITS.

The group, whose last meeting will be in February, comprises councillors from all parties and invites comments from residents and local groups, including the Chamber of Commerce.

The group has been helping to guide the town's new transport system, which continues to be at the centre of controversy over long delays to town centre traffic.

The town centre plan involves a two-way Stratton Way, that is already operating, and a narrower Stert Street and High Street with wider pavements.

Town councillors say the group's input into decision-making is essential, so the scheme can be carefully monitored and evaluated.

They argue that decisions will be taken by a county working group of officers and councillors.

Julie Mayhew-Archer, town councillor and member of the streering group, said the decision to disband it was "discourteous" because there had been no consultation. She said it showed "scant regard" for the views of the public, including the chamber of commerce.

She said: "The people in and around Abingdon have plenty of views and questions. For the county council to meet in secret and limit the public's right to comment is deplorable. In a democratic society this should be done openly and in public."

The town council is to write to Mr Robertson asking for answers to a series of questions involving not only the town centre but longer-term aims for a full 'diamond' interchange at the A34 junction at Lodge Hill and a second river crossing.

Mr Robertson said local opinion would not be ignored and decisions would not be taken in secret. He said the working group meetings were a more appropriate form of examining detailed matters.

Mr Robertson said: "The public will continue to be informed of progress and we will continue to provide regular updates through newsletters distributed to all households and businesses."

He said officers wanted to involve town councillors in working on the details of phase two of the town centre scheme.

Mr Robertson added: "The public will continue to be able to comment. Contact details are provided in all newsletters and there is a section devoted to Abingdon on the county's website. Our officers are also happy to attend council meetings."

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