NIGEL TRIES TO GAG NICK - Friday April 2 2004

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Cllr Nigel Coltman      Cllr Nick Ellwood

Haisham councillor Nick Ellwood this week accused Nigel Coltman of trying to gag him.  Cllr Coltman, working with officers of the council had cut down a 150 word message to just 21.  Unfortunately, Cllr Coltman then emailed a message intended for the committee services manager, Martyn Garrett, to Cllr Ellwood.  The original message sent by Cllr Ellwood, proposed a saving of £20,000 a year, by simply switching the task of disposing of abandoned vehicles, from a Newhaven firm, to a Hailsham firm. 

Cllr Ellwood said: "The email only showed what I suspected all along.  Whenever I demonstrate that Wealden is wasting ratepayer's money, the gagging procedure comes in.  I think it's clear that the leader himself had a hand in getting my original motion rejected in this case.  He has a lot of explaining to do."

Email Nigel Coltman  cllr.nigel.coltman@wealden.gov.uk    

Email Nick Ellwood    cllr.nick.ellwood@wealden.gov.uk          

*THAT THE PUBLIC MAY KNOW*