The chair of North Tyneside Council has apologised to High Borrans campaigners after footage showed her saying “oh shut up” as activists left the chamber.
Apology issued after heated exchange
Coun Wendy Lott, chair of North Tyneside Council, apologised for the remark made as Friends of High Borrans campaigners were leaving last night’s full council meeting. Campaigners had presented a petition calling on the council to pause its decision to close the Cumbria-based outdoor education centre, High Borrans, by November.
When the Labour majority voted to note the petition, rather than refer it back to the cabinet or the director of children’s services, cries of “shame on you” were heard from campaigners in the chamber. Coun Lott was then recorded appearing to say: “Oh shut up.”
Councillor's statement and reaction
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Coun Lott said: “I have huge respect for those campaigning to save High Borrans, and I apologise to any members of the campaign group who took offence at my comments. I acknowledge that my own frustrations got the better of me after I had asked people to conduct themselves respectfully and some failed to do so.
“The comment was directed at a former colleague who, knowing just how difficult these decisions are and the responsibility that comes with making them, was shouting ‘shame on you’ at councillors from the public gallery. People have every right to disagree passionately with the decision, but councillors also have a responsibility to make difficult decisions in the best interests of the borough.”
Cath Davis, the former Labour councillor and High Borrans supporter, responded: “After her long, winding, explanation to councillors at the beginning about how members should behave properly, it seems a bit trite to be saying that and she knows full well what she said.”
Cath continued: “She needs to remain impartial as chair and she should have kept to that.”
Campaigners and opposition respond
Speaking on behalf of the Friends of High Borrans, Imogen Patrick, also present at the meeting, said: “I would just say within the meeting it seemed as if she was the only one not willing to show respect.”
Imogen continued: “So, expecting a room full of council members and the public to show that respect, when you’re not doing that yourself, is not good enough.”
North Tyneside Council’s Reform opposition group released a statement, saying: “Councillors Richard Ross and Steven Robinson have both written to the council’s monitoring officer regarding Councillor Lott’s conduct and have asked for the matter to be reviewed.”
Background on High Borrans decision
The cabinet’s decision to close High Borrans has been controversial since it was announced, prompting the petition, which surpassed 2,000 signatures, to be heard at full council. The local authority has maintained that the outdoor education centre is no longer financially viable, citing a £3m maintenance bill, and rising running costs and subsidies.
An independent review is underway, including the Institute of Outdoor Learning and the Association of the Heads of Outdoor Education, to assess the centre’s longer-term future.
