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Arun training councillors after complaints

TRAINING is to be offered to a number of parish, district and county councillors in the wake of a series of public and political party complaints against members.

The legal services department of Arun District Council is holding the sessions this month in a bid to prevent councillors from placing themselves in situations creating a conflict of interest between personal and public business.

According to the district council's records, last year there were a number of alleged incidents causing concern that were reviewed at a meeting of its standards committee.

Apology

These included West Sussex County Councillor Simon McDougall, who is the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Bognor Regis.

He made an apology after producing an inaccurate party leaflet.

An investigation was launched following complaints made by Arun Conservatives after Mr McDougall incorrectly stated Conservatives were in favour of controversial housing developments in Chalcraft Lane, Bognor Regis.

He will now be offered the opportunity to receive further training on codes of conduct.

Influence

In addition there was a case involving Bognor Regis Town mayor Eileen Anderson.

As detailed in the council's report, it was alleged by Dr Ramage of Aldwick Parish Council she had attempted to use influence in seeking assistance from the parish to oppose houses being turned into flats near her property.

As a result, Mrs Anderson was given additional training in conduct for councillors last September.

Remarks

Bognor Town councillor Simon Fyfe came under scrutiny after a complaint was made against him by fellow councillor Francis Oppler, who alleged the councillor had made 'highly unpleasant remarks' about him and his wife at an allotment sub-committee.

Arun officers have recommended a reconciliation meeting between the two councillors.

Parish members were not exempt from complaints either – Arun's records also list a resident making a formal complaint against Barnham parish councillor David Phillips.

As stated in the official log of the complaint, it was claimed he allegedly treated the resident disrespectfully over an incident in which he was said to have glued an A4 notice to a car window in relation to a dispute over the ownership of land adjoining the parish hall building.

The Arun standards sub-committee again advised a meeting between the councillor and the complainant should take place.

The councillors' training, which is offered after an election and every six months until the next election, is set to include sections on developing debating skills, 'how to be persuasive without being dogmatic' and increasing clarity for the audience to avoid confusion.

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin