Council plea to mystery blogger

By sforrester

CREWKERNE town councillors have urged the anonymous creator of a blog which criticises the council to reveal his identity.

The blog runs under the heading Crewkerne Town Council Stinks and was set up by an unnamed resident, disillusioned with democracy in the town.

Councillors are unsure how much influence the blog has, but a number of followers have logged complimentary comments on it.

Councillor Mike Best said: "It's a shame the person behind this is not coming out and saying these things to the council in the open. I would encourage whoever is behind this to stand up and be counted. If we receive anonymous letters they do not get taken forward. It's a bit disappointing that the blogger does not air his views to us directly."

Mayor Hilary Leamon said: "It would be nice to know who it is and why they are not prepared to give their name. The fact they remain anonymous suggests they don't have a enough faith in what they are saying."

Councillor Sue White said: "I've looked at the site and have found myself hoping this does not go too far, especially after what happened in Somerton."

In that town, a blogger's criticism contributed to most of its council resigning.

Ms White also said: "If this person attended the meetings they would see that councillors have a lot of different opinions about issues in the town. It would be interesting to have this person at a meeting."

Two updates were posted on the site this week, the first listing seven New Year Resolutions which the blogger would like to see made by the town council, South Somerset District and Somerset County Council.

These include "that the town council will become reasonable, listen to the public's views other than their favoured few and practise financial restraint", and "the town council will resolve to become a true council and not be controlled by a very small group of people of the same political persuasion, not necessarily town councillors".

The second update consists of a series of comments the blogger says he has received from fellow residents which praise the site and agree with its content.

One comment said: "Why is it that, despite frequent changes in mayor, council membership and committee leadership, the council always seems to make the most bizarre decisions? Over recent years we have had a multitude of contentious planning decisions made, with no proper public discussion or involvement.

"This situation has continued, with Waitrose, the Henhayes Centre, the oak, the sports centre – all decisions made behind closed doors, by a small clique in the Town Hall."

Another said: "Thank goodness for someone else who believes, as I do, that Crewkerne Town Council is as inept and undemocratic a council as you will ever find anywhere."

Councillor Ron Bond said: "It's a shame this town has been split by the issues at Henhayes. I think the issues from both sides need to be listened to and resolved. I look at the blog on a semi-regular basis and although a few facts are inaccurate, it is clear there are a lot of frustrations in the town and I agree with a lot of what's been said on there.

"It is a sign of exasperation from people in the town. From calls I have received as a councillor people feel that they are not being listened to."