Lego play lightens budget mood

Council leader Mike Bird produced a pound sign made of Lego bricks at the start of the discussion on the authority’s finances to turn the tables on his Labour counterparts.

A training workshop about building better communities in Walsall hit the headlines when it was revealed it featured Lego play as part of the session.

Labour councillors Lee Jeavons and Matt Ward took to social media to criticise the “waste of taxpayers’ money”.

They then went one further by producing a short spoof children’s TV clip which featured a character called “Teddy Bear Michael” and again poked fun at the Lego workshop.

At Thursday’s meeting, Councillor Jeavons was spotted carrying around a “365 Things – Lego Bricks” book.

But prior to the serious discussion on the budget for the next financial year, Councillor Bird took out his own Lego creation along with a cuddly Lion toy, prompting laughter across the chamber and public gallery.

He said: “Just for my two good friends, Jester Jeavons and Witless Ward, we’re talking about the budget. I’m afraid that teddy bear Michael hasn’t come tonight because he’s been eaten by a naughty lion.

“If you haven’t seen the video I’m afraid it’s not showing in film cinemas near you, however, it can be downloaded on a website targeted for the under fives.”

Councillor Jeavons said: “I’m pleased that our video has been enjoyed by so many and that the leader took it with good heart.”

After the meeting, Councillor Jeavons said the video was a light-hearted way of highlighting a serious issue about the council spending money on Lego sessions when it is cutting back services while Councillor Ward added: “That Lego pound sign came apart while leader held it, which is just like his budget.”