Arun Lib Dems accused of breaking election promises

During a meeting of the overview select committee, Conservative leader Shaun Gunner fired off questions about a number of pledges, such as transferring ownership of Bognor Regis town hall to the town council.

He also asked about the group’s promise to make planning decisions more local and to invest more in day centre activities for the elderly.

Mr Gunner said: “The reason I ask these questions is these were your promises to the electorate in Bognor Regis.

“You haven’t done any of these things so far.

“Are you planning on doing any of these things? Are there other promises you are planning on breaking to the electorate as well?”

Council leader Dr James Walsh said he had no intention of getting involved in a ‘party political exchange’ but told Mr Gunner that there were no plans at the moment to transfer ownership of the town hall.

He added: “It’s a matter between Bognor Regis Town Council and Arun District Council. Bognor Regis have not made any approach and it’s up to them to see whether they wish to take it on.”

On the issue of day centre activities, Gill Yeates, cabinet member for community wellbeing, acknowledged that the amount of money invested by the council had dropped.

But she reminded the meeting that the council had extended Age UK’s lease on the Laburnum Centre, in Bognor Regis, by 15 years, securing its place in the town until 2034.

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