Cricket row: Bersted parish duo staying on

Cllrs Simon McDougall and Martin Lury this week decided to remain on the council.

Thier resignation threats arose after a parish council meeting. A discussion about a parish fete saw Cllr Brian Widger criticise councillors who put watching cricket ahead of helping the parish.

He mentioned no names but it was obvious to everyone in the room he meant Cllrs McDougall and Lury.

Both had made it clear at earlier meetings they would be unable to attend the fete because they would be watching England play cricket at Lord's as members of the MCC.

They walked out of the meeting after Cllr Widger refused three opportunities to withdrew his remark.

Their letters of resignation followed to be put on hold for a week in the hope of a written retraction from Cllr Widger.

Former parish council chairman Cllr McDougall said: "We have been contacted by many fellow councillors and several members of the public who wholeheartedly support our stance but, nonetheless, wish us to continue representing them at the parish level."

Cllr Lury said they believed their first loyalty was to local residents. "Furthermore, it is clear we have done nothing wrong and, therefore, deserve neither to punish ourselves or the community by resigning," he said.

What do you think? Click here to send a letter or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news

Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news

Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click on the link below to add yourself to our readers' map.

MAP