NTFC Supporters, Market Traders, representatives of the Northampton Arts collective, members of the Labour and Conservative groups and concerned residents were all present; to take part in what should have been a constructive and useful meeting, to clarify concerns over many issues that are imperative to stop Northampton from slipping further into disrepair and malaise.
Unfortunately the Councillors Tony Woods, and Richard Church, missed this important opportunity to meet with the people who elected them to office, to answer there concerns and allay their fears. Tony Woods, the Council Leader released the following statement, explaining their absence.
“We have debated long and hard as to whether it is sensible or appropriate for Richard Church and myself to participate in your meeting.
“In coming to our decision we have considered the leaflets produced by yourselves [NTFC SL] calling the meeting and others (including the market traders), monitored web boards and responses to various articles in the Chronicle & Echo and the questions asked during my web chat on the Chronicle’s site last Thursday.
“It is clear that the meeting is, essentially a protest meeting – and one covering a wide range of topics. It has become essentially political in nature. We would not attend, and would not be expected to attend, a political meeting called by the Conservative or Labour Parties.”
Mr Woods went onto acknowledge that his actions would be portrayed as “Unwillingness to explain our policies.”
Reports from the Public Meeting can be found on the following links:
http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/Angry-scenes-as-council-leaders.4867149.jp
http://www.ntfc.co.uk/page/Redevelopment/0,,10425~1501643,00.html
At the end of the meeting a collection was made towards the £200 cost of hiring the room at the Guildhall. Thanks to the generosity of those present the amount collected amounted to £330.38 and as announced at the meeting any surplus would be passed to a worthy cause - a Cheque for £130.38 has been sent to Cynthia Spencer Hospice in Northampton.
