UKIP councillor’s wee spot of bother

Photo: Peter Davis

PARKING row . . . the snap of Councillor Bates’ Audi parked in a disabled bay at Oldham Civic Centre.

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Controversial Failsworth councillor Warren Bates claims a vendetta is being waged against him following publication of a picture of his car parked in a disabled space on social media.

The UKIP councillor claims he parked in the bay because he was running late for a council meeting at Oldham Civic Centre - and his urgent need for a loo had left him “temporarily disabled”.

Labour Party activist Peter Davis posted the picture of the councillor’s car on Twitter — with the number plate visible — alongside a comment mocking the councillor.

Mr Davis, a Ring and Ride driver, said: “I always see people parking in disabled spaces — it’s not on.

“He’s not disabled. I took a picture and waited for him after the meeting. I then asked him if he had a disabled pass as there wasn’t one on the car.

“He’s a political rival, but when motorists are inconsiderate towards the disabled by parking in disabled areas — that’s my concern.”

Councillor Bates told the Chronicle: “I dashed in as I was a bit late. I was disabled at the time because I needed to go in and it was the nearest place to the toilet.

“There are two disabled places there. I ran into the toilet as it was an important meeting and it had already started. There was no-one else in the disabled spaces.

“All of a sudden someone said I was all over Facebook and Twitter. My number plate is there for all to see.

“Since election in 2014 I’ve had hell from the Labour Party. This is a vendetta against me.”

Part of the “vendetta” is Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon, who tweeted on March 18 that Mr Bates had spent £1,300 of his councillor budget on a “giant bear costume”.

Councillor Bates said the costume was made for Oldham police, who use it as a learning aid when visiting schools.

“They used to borrow one from another area. I bought it on their behalf. I explained that at the Failsworth and Hollinwood district executive meeting, then they went on Twitter and Facebook. They’re taking the Mickey.

“They hate me. But I can stand it all.”