Lib-Dem chief condemns 'headline-grabbing' antics

THE leader of Saddleworth parish council's Lib-Dem group has accused the absent councillors of "rank hypocrisy".

Cllr Alan Belmore said: "These councillors are guilty of rank hypocrisy. They had numerous opportunities to actually do something about Cllr Buckley.

"The Independents could have chosen to not support his election campaign while he was under arrest for his crimes. They could have supported a Liberal Democrat motion to stop him holding any position of responsibility while he was under arrest.

"They could have voted along with the Liberal Democrats trying to remove him by not accepting his apologies to meetings following his conviction.

"Yet they have the nerve to criticise us for not partaking in a gesture which will achieve nothing. The residents of Saddleworth elected us to represent them on the matters which affect them every day. We have a duty to turn up and represent them.

"Whilst those councillors were moaning, the Liberal Democrats on the council were discussing disabled access at Greenfield station, the impact of the closure of the road bridge over the railway line in Greenfield and modernising the civic hall.

"Those same councillors happily sat next to Buckley last month, yet they insist on meaningless gestures to get cheap headlines this month. They're letting their electorate down ­- they have a duty to be in the council chamber."