No reprimand for Fremington councillor

AN attempt to rap the knuckles of Fremington county councillor Rodney Cann came to nothing on Monday night at a meeting of the Parish Council. A proposal was on the agenda to consider a motion of censure against him in relation to his comments made in t

AN attempt to rap the knuckles of Fremington county councillor Rodney Cann came to nothing on Monday night at a meeting of the Parish Council.

A proposal was on the agenda to "consider a motion of censure" against him in relation to his comments made in the press over planning issues surrounding the overspill car park at Fremington Quay. Mr Cann - who is not a parish councillor - did not attend.

During a lengthy debate, the proposal to "censure" or reprimand him was changed to one requesting an apology to the council.

This was defeated following a 5-5 split in votes and the casting vote of chairman, Councillor David Jury against.

Several councillors had been concerned Mr Cann had not consulted with the council over the car park before speaking to the press.

He had said the temporary car park had been installed without planning permission.

An apparent misunderstanding between the council and Northern Devon Coast and Countryside Service saw work to create access carried out before an application was submitted. The council then temporarily closed this and said an application would be forthcoming.

Mr Cann said yesterday (Tuesday): "It's really Fremington Parish Council which should be apologising to the public for the situation they found themselves in.

"It would not have come to light if I had not publicised the fact and I felt the public had a right to know.