War of words over Barnard Castle’s HGV problems

Durham County Council has been accused of treating Barnard Castle residents with “utter contempt” over its HGV problems.

This follows the cancellation of a “courtesy” meeting between county officers and residents to explain why little can be done to resolve the issue.

Cllr Chris Foote-Wood, who is the town’s ward representative, says he called off the meeting because of conditions associated with it, including how many people could attend, the shortness of the meeting and the agenda contents.

However, the county council’s cabinet member for transport Cllr Tim McGuinness says he abandoned the meeting because it would not be constructive and would not alter the council’s view on the issue.

Residents have been campaigning for large lorries to be rerouted around the town because of the disruption they cause to residents of Newgate, and damaged caused to the Market cross, a listed building.

Officers say they have to adhere to traffic regulations, best practice, technical assessment and professional experience, rather than the strength of local opinion.

Cllr Foote-Wood said: “Cllr McGuinness has refused even to discuss the usual and necessary practice of agreeing an agenda in advance of the meeting, due to take place last Thursday [September 10].

“He would only allow 45 minutes for the meeting, far too short a time to discuss the many complex issues involved.

“Much of the time would inevitably be taken up by arguing about the agenda.

“He is even dictating which questions we would be allowed to ask, and also the questions we are not allowed to ask.

“He has ruled that only one resident may come with me, which makes the idea of a delegation a travesty.

“Cllr McGuinness and his officials have treated the people of Barnard Castle with utter contempt by laying down unacceptable conditions for the meeting I requested on their behalf.

“This is not democracy, it is dictatorship.”

Cllr McGuiness responded: “Far from dictating terms, I simply offered an appropriate meeting out of courtesy to discuss the matter.

“To be clear, Cllr Foote-Wood was offered a 45-minute meeting where he could bring two delegates, and I would attend with an officer from our traffic department.

“I also suggested an agenda and clearly stated Cllr Foote-Wood could come back with alternatives should he desire.

“Instead of accepting this and working with myself and officers, Cllr Foote-Wood instead demanded more time, more delegates and submitted an agenda that was essentially a list of questions that had already been thoroughly answered.

“Given Cllr Foote-Wood’s actions, a further meeting would not be constructive, nor would it alter the council’s position.”