News

Wednesday's Hawkinge Parish Council meeting (14 March), which Chairman David Callahan described as "turbulant" saw Cllr Peter Smith walk out after he was told to "shut up" on five occasions by a fellow councillor.

The incident during which the Chairman was desperately trying to call the council to order resulted in Cllr George Hodgson telling Cllr Smith to "shut up". When the council was eventually calmed down by the Chairman, Cllr Smith picked up his papers and walked out of the meeting.

Throughout the evening, Cllr George Hodgson had become increasingly annoyed with Cllr Smith and in an angry outburst he told him to "shut up". Later in the proceedings, the normally placid Cllr Hodgson made a statement to the council apologising for this outburst.

Cllr Smith, said: "I was insulted and the Chairman did not uphold his position and failed to control the situation.

"He did not warn Cllr Hodgson and I asked that the comments were minuted.

The arguments began during a discussion over part funding of a consultative document for the village hall car park.

"I feel the parish council are no longer working for the village and the residents are left to pick up the bills," said Cllr Smith

He continued:"If the residents want to vote in a new parish council and help the village then they should put their names forward."

Council Chairman, David Callahan said: "I am saddened that Cllr Smith chose to walk out of the meeting."