The town council chair in Leigh-on-Sea has allegedly reported members of a local campaign group to the police for criminal damage after they stuck an agenda on a noticeboard using sticky tape. The chair, Bernard Arscott, claimed that the noticeboard’s Perspex was damaged when the letter was removed. The campaign group, Looking after Leigh, criticized the town council’s leadership, calling it embarrassing and demanding that Arscott step down. Residents had requested an annual community meeting after the initial date was canceled, but Arscott had not committed to calling the meeting.
Essex Police confirmed that they had received a report for criminal damage in Leigh-on-Sea but had not launched an investigation at that stage. The community meeting was intended to allow residents to question councillors about their concerns. The campaign group also planned to present a petition with 1,700 signatures, calling for town councillors who had been elected uncontested to resign. The group criticized the town council for mismanagement, lack of response to queries, and a potential email hack within the council.
Independent Councillor Carole Mulroney described the sticky-tape incident as a “waste of police time” and a distraction from more critical issues in the seaside town. She defended the residents’ right to call their own meeting, highlighting ongoing disputes between councillors and residents. Mulroney pointed out that the recent increased attendance at town council meetings reflected residents’ desire to see tangible results and better governance. The town council had faced allegations of rudeness to residents, the dismissal of independent councillors, and chaotic meetings prompting police intervention.
The disagreement between the town council and residents in Leigh-on-Sea has been ongoing, with incidents ranging from canceling meetings without notice to accusations of abusive behavior towards council staff. Campaign group Looking after Leigh has been actively challenging the council’s decisions and calling for more transparency and accountability. The town council’s handling of community meetings, appointments, and communication has come under scrutiny, leading to increased tensions and calls for change in leadership. The latest incident involving sticky tape on a noticeboard has only exacerbated the existing conflict between councillors and residents.
The wider context of the dispute in Leigh-on-Sea includes political tensions, allegations of mismanagement, lack of communication, and a growing dissatisfaction with the council’s performance. The involvement of Essex Police in the criminal damage report adds a legal dimension to the conflict, potentially escalating the situation further. The desire for more effective governance, transparency, and community engagement is evident in the residents’ actions and demands for change. The town council’s response to the allegations and the ongoing conflict will determine the future direction of leadership and decision-making in Leigh-on-Sea. Residents continue to push for accountability and improvements in local governance to address their concerns and ensure better representation and services for the community.
