News

Dear Editor,

It is extremely disappointing to return from holiday and find that Hawkinge Parish Council has lost two very capable councillors at a time when it seemed that the Council was showing promising signs that they could all work together for the community as a whole.

No matter how individuals feel about the degree of Cllr Smiths conviction I personally believe that the community expects its representatives to be above any such indiscretions and am certainly surprised that some serving councillors are happy for Cllr Smith to serve on any committee impacting on the spending of public money.

The Parish Council now has spare seats but sadly this episode is unlikely to encourage new volunteers from the community and the places may be filled by co-option which is not a satisfactory solution.

If Cllr Smith wishes to demonstrate his commitment to the community as a whole he should tender his resignation which would at least give the Council the chance to begin re-building credibility and the trust of the people of Hawkinge.

Cllr David Godfrey
North Downs East Ward