Councillor defends criticism of Newport groups

Peter Scott has been accused by other councillors of being critical of organisations in the town.

They include the likes of the Town Team, which aims to help businesses in the High Street, Newport Regeneration Partnership, which takes an overall look at the town, and the Chamber of Commerce, which supports traders.

Councillor Scott said the groups must be open to scrutiny, particularly as the Town Team and Regeneration Partnership have received funding from Newport Town Council.

Councillor Scott said: "I do question them because they take public money from the taxpayers of Newport and as such should be open to scrutiny. That is my role as an unbiased, independent councillor. I support any organisation that tries to do good things but I do expect them to be open and transparent in what they do and how they spend our money.

"I am enquiring with the best interests of the residents at heart.

"It is sad that some take umbrage at any criticism. If they wish do as they please, they should self-fund and stop coming to the public purse.

"It is important that we all work together and the council does a lot to support everyone."

His comments came after the town council decided to ask for a meeting with the Town Team, Regeneration Partnership and Chamber of Commerce once every two months, a motion which was seconded by Councillor Scott.

He questioned whether there really is "dissent from outside bodies" towards the council, as suggested at last week's council meeting.

"None of the groups had previously minuted any concerns in regards to Newport Town Council," he said. "Where is the proof?"

Representatives of the groups will be asked to meet with town clerk Lee Jakeman and a councillor during lunchtime so that Mr Jakeman does not have to work overtime. The idea of the get-together is to ensure that the work of the outside bodies is not over-lapping and contradicting with what the town council is doing.

The Town Team was formed last year to try and boost business in Newport High Street.

It has since held a special day to encourage people to use independent traders in Newport and has carried out a "health check" on the high street to see where the town is succeeding and what needs to be done to make it better.