Councillors must do more research on their ideas before bringing them to Kington Town Council, the Deputy Mayor has said.

Councillor Martin Woolford said whilst councillors may have great ideas and intentions, when a project is considered it always lands on the clerk and assistant clerk to undertake the research and detail.

He said he feels this is unfair on already overworked staff but often leads to the council having to work to short deadlines and almost panic decisions.

“I also believe that if a councillor has a particular idea that they would like to put forward, they should be the person responsible for preparing all of the detail, costings proposals etc,” he said.

“If this was the case a specific project can be worked on over a period of time and a fully considered project brought forward to the council for a decision.

“Of course, whoever takes on a project would have to liaise with the clerk and it is fully understood that no individual can take any decisions on their own but we should then have properly thought out projects on which to make considered decisions.

“Expecting our clerks to find all the detail for projects or maintenance items is causing them unnecessary stress and taking time away from important duties,” he said.

He gave a few ideas that have been raised which members could work on including the churchyard maintenance and repairs, footpath and alleyway cleaning, a dark sky policy, recreation ground maintenance etc.

“I propose that one councillor who has a particular interest in a field takes on investigating and preparing the ground. This should make decisions easier and quicker,” he added.

Councillor Buzz Bishop said she completely agreed. 

“I am ready to do stuff but I come to the meetings and do not come away with any decisions. We should be asking who is going to organise the issue and actions to be undertaken.”

But Councillor Martin Fitton said he opposed the idea as the clerk needs to be fully involved. He said working groups have been used before and can be used again to bring things forward.

Town clerk Liz Kelso said up until they get to the point where quotes are needed the clerk does not really need to be so involved but once quotes are needed they do because processes need to be followed.

Members agreed to bring a list of project ideas to the next meetings for discussion.