In a surprise show of unity, B&NES’ Conservative and Labour Leaders have stood firm against the local Liberal Democrats this week, after the party accused the Conservative-run Council of being “anti-democratic” and having “a shameful knee jerk reaction”, concerning plans to shorten public speaking time at Council meetings.

Commenting last week, Labour Leader, Cllr Robin Moss, said that despite the Lib-Dem claims, there had been discussions on this subject prior to a meeting last November, which saw eighty members of the public register to speak on the subject of the potential Park and Ride at Bathampton Meadows, which made for a lengthy meeting.

In a joint letter this week, the Labour and Conservative Leaders assert that far from being secretive, the Lib-Dems had been involved in the decision and that allowing an hour is actually on the generous side, compared to other Councils. There will also be the option to extend the time at the discretion of the Chair. Speaking last Friday, Lib-Dem Group Leader, Cllr Dine Romero (Southdown), said: “This is a disappointing decision. Conservative and Labour Councillors chose to focus on discussions that were held within the working group – and by doing so, failed to address the real issue. Fewer members of the public will now be permitted to speak at Council meetings, fewer questions will be allowed and there will be an open-ended time limit on answers to these questions.

“It cannot be a coincidence that the working group was asked to consider limiting the amount of public speaking so soon after the unprecedented November 2015 Council meeting, at which eighty residents spoke and 242 questions were put regarding a proposed park and ride on the East of Bath.”

Fellow Lib-Dem Councillor, Rob Appleyard (Lambridge), has called for alternative ways for residents’ concerns over potentially contentious issues to be heard.