Poorly councillor’s continued absence agreed

Neville Walker (Con, East Grinstead – Town) has been unable to attend any meetings since July 16 due to ill health and is waiting for a hospital date so that he can receive treatment.

His ward duties have been covered by fellow East Grinstead councillor Jon Dabell.

At a meeting of the full council on Wednesday (December 9) – Mr Walker’s birthday – the absence was agreed.

Without it, he would have lost his seat as of January 16.

There were good wishes all round from his fellow councillors.

Alison Bennett (Lib Dem, Hurstpierpoint & Downs) wished Mr Walker a speedy recovery, adding: “Ill health is something that can happen to anybody at any time and we hope to see him back in the virtual chamber as soon as possible.”

Not everyone agreed with the decision to allow his absence, though.

Anne Eves (Green, Burgess Hill – Leylands) shared her sympathy for Mr Walker but added: “I still think that if this were me I would resign.”

She said: “I just feel that it’s not good value for public money.

“Obviously it’s better for the ward if they are represented by two councillors rather than one, however able Mr Dabell is.”

Her view didn’t sit well with some and it was pointed out that there had been a long-standing cross-party agreement not to vote against such an absence.

Some did, though, and the vote was carried by 47 to three with one abstention.