As the community will be aware, the Parish Council has been undertaking a consultation process regarding the Draft Modified Bloxham Neighbourhood Plan.
Unfortunately, during the consultation process, members of the Council have been subjected to offensive, intimidating and abusive behaviour from some individuals, both in person and online. Misinformation about the process has also been circulating.
As a result of the distress caused by unfounded attacks upon his personal integrity, the Chairman has resigned from the Parish Council. This is a devastating blow for the community as his dedication and knowledge are irreplaceable.
Councillors are aware that planning matters are always an emotive subject, and people will have differing opinions, but please consider your conduct when expressing views about the draft Plan, either in-person or online.
The Parish Councillors are members of the community who are very proud to represent the village and give up their time to work in an unpaid role, in order to give the community a voice on important issues that affect us all. The Councillors continually try to promote the best interests of the village in difficult circumstances, but any form of bullying, harassment, intimidation or spreading of misinformation is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
The community needs to be aware that planning law gives Parish Councils very limited powers to fight applications for new developments, but it is trying to use what limited powers it has to protect the village, with an updated Neighbourhood Plan.
The Parish Council has, and will continue to do, it’s very best to provide frequent opportunities for community engagement via face-to-face public events, leaflet drops and online information, in addition to the monthly Parish Council meetings.
It was fully expected that there will be a variety of opinions expressed by residents, all of which are welcomed and are an integral part of the Consultation process. But please be mindful of how those views are expressed and the impact your words have on others.
Thank you.
Bloxham Parish Council