AN ex-councillor has accused New Alresford Town Council (NATC) of being "run like a cabal".
Robin Atkins launched the attack after council chairman Roy Gentry said he hoped to fill a vacancy on the body by co-opting someone, rather than go to the expense of an election.
The comments prompted Mr Atkins to collect enough signatures from the town's residents to trigger an election, which, if enough candidates come forward, will take place on Thursday, June 26.
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Mr Atkins said: "I spoke with various people locally and they are feeling incensed about how the town council are running the show.
"They don't want Roy Gentry to appoint whom he wants. It's not so you have your friends there and run things like a cabal.
"It's obviously going to cost money, but democracy is one of the things that we cherish in this country."
The vacancy arose after Mike Byrne was removed from the council because he had not attended a meeting for six months.
Speaking at a town council meeting on April 10, Cllr Gentry said: "In the past elections have not been called because it costs the council several thousands of pounds, for example opening the polling station and manning it.
"One hopes no-one's going to put the town council to that expense and allow us to co-opt a member of the community."
Later responding to the attack on the town council, Cllr Gentry said that there were numerous co-options during Mr Atkins' tenure on the body and that his comments represented his usual "don't do as I do, do as I say" attitude.
He added that in contrast to the past there is now a "completely different vibe in the town and overwhelming support for what we are trying to achieve."
He said: "In any event, I don't make the co-option decision, that is a matter for the full council to decide.
"I am sure that there will be several people who will want to put their names forward to stand for the vacancy and residents will be able to make their choice.
"The only downside is that a by-election will cost the town around £2,500, which we can ill afford right now, and could adversely affect our grants budget which is used for the benefit of good causes in the town."
Mr Atkins said he would not rule out putting his name forward for election onto the council.
The :
EU.
Regional areas of EU -southern England and northern France - The Manche Region (Soon)
Proposed Regional Assemblies.
Westminster.
Town and City Councils
Parish councils
Quangos - Advisors and on and on.
This is the 21st Century it is time we had a complete review. There are far too many "democrats" sponging off those that produce wealth.
The :
EU.
Regional areas of EU -southern England and northern France - The Manche Region (Soon)
Proposed Regional Assemblies.
Westminster.
Town and City Councils
Parish councils
Quangos - Advisors and on and on.
This is the 21st Century it is time we had a complete review. There are far too many "democrats" sponging off those that produce wealth.
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