A heated debate was ignited as councillors argued over how often to host their meet-and-greet town centre gazebo.
Swaffham Town Council held its full September meeting last Wednesday, with members embroiled in discussions over whether to reduce the number of times a month they hold the sessions.
Councillors currently set up the gazebo at the Swaffham marketplace every Saturday morning, aiming to offer advice and answer questions for residents.
Cllrs Graham Edwards and David Braithwaite speaking to Walter Rogers. Pictures: Ian Burt
However, Cllr Graham Eves proposed reducing the frequency to once per month – prompting backlash from the likes of Cllr Graham Edwards and Cllr Steph Cooper.
For now, following a counter proposal from Cllr Edwards, the gazebo will continue to be held every weekend until alternative arrangements – such as hosting it at town supermarkets – can be made.
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Cllr Cooper made reference to emails she had sent her fellow councillors about the Saturday stall, suggesting they should be “willing to see the residents that voted for you”.
Swaffham councillors debated how often the gazebo should be set up. Pictures: Ian Burt
Speaking at Wednesday’s meeting, Cllr Eves said: “There were those for it and those who didn’t want to give up the time. It has caused quite a lot of controversy between various councillors.
“Some say they don’t want to tie themselves up at the weekend. I would like to propose that we go for a once a month gazebo – then that would give us the opportunity to plan ahead.
“Once a month would be enough. People email me if they have a problem.”
Cllr Lindsey Beech added: “There are other ways to engage with residents. It doesn’t mean that because you aren’t at the gazebo on a Saturday that you don’t.
Cllrs Graham Edwards and David Braithwaite on Saturday morning. Pictures: Ian Burt
“Councillors do engage with the public, and the insinuation that we don’t is actually quite offensive to be honest.”
However, Cllr Edwards was fierce in his defence of the scheme – which he insisted proves popular with Swaffham residents.
“The people 100% want that gazebo,” he told the meeting.
Cllrs Graham Edwards and David Braithwaite speaking to Walter Rogers. Pictures: Ian Burt
“Saturday, we had people of all ages. I don’t see any reason personally to stop doing it when you have people ready to be there.
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“I am prepared to be there, and I think it is a bit rich that someone is saying between me and my residents that ‘you can’t speak to each other on a Saturday at the gazebo’.”
Cllr Jill Skinner suggested hosting a similar stall at the Tesco Superstore on Brocks Road in a bid to appeal to those who may not visit the marketplace on a Saturday morning.
Cllrs Graham Edwards and David Braithwaite speaking to Walter Rogers at the gazebo on Saturday. Picture: Ian Burt
But Cllr Paul Darby said that “you don’t need a stall for people to stop and ask you a question” – and town mayor Cllr Stewart Bell added that while he is not against the gazebo, he is worried that councillors’ enthusiasm for hosting it may drop during the winter.
However, after five councillors supported hosting it weekly for the time being – outvoting the three who did not – Cllr Edwards added: “See you Saturday then.”
Cllr Bell did then urge those who man the stall to submit the questionnaires they hand out to the council offices before they are given to the public so that they are “less leading”.
The gazebo is currently set up in the marketplace every Saturday morning. Pictures: Ian Burt
“What is the relevance of having a question asking ‘should the council regularly have contact with residents?’ he asked.