Western Isles Council challenged to become democratic

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have today been called on by campaigners wanting the Council to open the sports centres in Lewis and Harris to become a more democratically orientated organisation.

They claim it is not ‘morally acceptable’ to have conflicting Sunday policy between the southern isles and the northern isles of the Comhairle’s remit.

Back in 4th September 2008 the councillors voted down the motion to allow a debate on the policy by 18 to 11, kicking away the chances of a democratic and just debate untill after 2012, if at all.

The Comhairle are under scrutiny from many sectors on the community on this issue, and there is even possibility of legal action against the authority.

Campaigner Uisdean Macleodtold Hebrides News Today, “Over the past two weeks the Council have shown themselves to be a crowd who are not willing to listen, not willing to consult properly and not willing to offer consensus over issues involving the community.”

“The Council would do well to at least allow a debate on the issue within this term of the Council.  It is the democratic thing to do, and would do their tattered public image a lot of good”.

“This is an issue which will not go away.  The Council needs to learn to stop dragging its heels and do the right thing.”

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