BISHOP'S Waltham Parish Council is scaring off potential councillors from filling its vacancies, a meeting was told as two volunteers were snubbed.

There were tense exchanges at the meeting on Tuesday as some councillors called for criteria to ensure new members fit the bill.

The council welcomed three new councillors – George Westcombe, Bruce Taylor and Robin Howe – but three vacancies remain.

Cllr Robert Shields opposed immediately co-opting extra members despite two residents putting themselves forward at the meeting.

He said: "We have three new councillors and it takes time for them to learn to become a parish councillor. The thought that we need to have six new parish councillors when we have a lot of difficult business in front of us would be unfair on them and unfair on the other councillors."

Speaking from the public gallery, former parish councillor Dorothy Quiney said they were "insulting" the volunteers who had arrived. One walked out after 40 minutes of discussion while Chris Dugmore, a young local businessman, questioned whether a "fit and proper person test" was needed for someone who wanted to help the community.

Eric Birbeck, another former councillor, added: "You're in danger of frightening away those people who wish to be parish councillors. There's two here - one just left and that's very sad."

Meanwhile, Tracy Conduct saw off a challenge from Cllr Terry Wilson to be re-elected chairman while Cllr Barry Nicholson was voted vice chairman over Cllr Shields.