I WENT to Lakers School on October 7 to see a performance of Coleford Town Council. I still haven’t recovered.

I went to hear about a housing development planned at Berry Hill. Cllr Elsmore chaired this. He was polite and welcomed comments.

Then the Coleford Mayor took over. He introduced a smart young woman who talked about why the Coleford Neighbourhood Development Plan should continue.

The Mayor looked bored, fidgeted and barked occasionally.

The woman talked about the benefits in law of finishing the plan, the investment in the town and funding. She talked of how to fill the empty shops.

The Mayor begrudgingly allowed some moments to other articulate speakers for the plan.

The accompanying papers told of 500 people and community groups helping so far.

The council was asked to get involved more.

It all made sense and the money used to date seemed to be producing results.

When she sat down, the meeting fell into confused mayhem. Two secretaries couldn’t keep up.

The Mayor wanted to stop the plan so that councillors could carry out their own mandate.

I say ‘their own’ with emphasis for I don’t remember many Coleford elections.

The Mayor wanted, at very least, restrictions put on to what the community wanted.

A sidekick told us we were all too old. He had immaturely fumbled with the numbers, seemingly believing he had a better system than empirical science.

I’m relieved to say that Cllr Elsmore and two other councillors spoke up for the plan. Otherwise, no-one seemed to care that, if the plan ceased, they may have to pay back £6,000 of public money out of your Council Tax.

Coleford voters, put forward some new councillors. Force some proper elections. Half of the current lot don’t want to listen, don’t represent Coleford and, simply put, aren’t worth it.

– Stan, Berry Hill.