Second resignation from Arbroath Community Council
Arbroath Community Council — still reeling from its chairwoman's decision to step down — has been rocked by another resignation.
- By Graeme Strachan
- Published in the Courier : 02.12.11
- Published online : 02.12.11 @ 01.39pm
Chairwoman Patricia Millar announced her decision to resign ahead of Wednesday night's meeting. Her resignation letter was read out somewhat emotionally by Mike Cosans, who chaired the meeting as vice-chairman and now by vote of the council is interim chairman.
This was dramatically followed by another letter of resignation — this time from Laura Thomson, the secretary, to add to the drama of the night.
Mrs Millar said there was a reason behind her decision to resign after 24 years' service but she would prefer to keep quiet.
It had been suggested that Mrs Millar's decision to quit was because of a power struggle within the ranks but that has been strongly denied.
Kevin Barthorpe had raised concerns previously about ''the powers held by the chair'' but insisted his concerns were about the democratic process rather than anything to do with Mrs Millar.
He said he was not looking to take up the role and urged Mrs Millar to reconsider her position as chairwoman.
Mr Barthorpe said: ''Pat has put a lot of years into the community council and I would have been happy for her to continue as chairwoman.
''I would refute there was a power struggle and I am certainly not looking to take on the role.
''My only interest is in moving the community council forward and I would ask Pat to reconsider her resignation.
''My issue was a part of the constitution which basically states the chair has the right to decide all matters and that's not a democratic process.
''I stress that my concern about the powers held by the chair was to do with the constitution rather than the chairperson.''
However, it emerged at Wednesday's meeting that Arbroath Community Council officially does not have a constitution and members will now be drawing one up.
Arbroath councillor Bob Spink attended the meeting and said Mrs Millar would be sorely missed.
He said: ''Of course I was aware of Patricia's decision to retire and regret very much that she found it necessary to do so, while understanding perfectly her reasons.
''I have known Pat and indeed her husband for many years, long before she became involved with the community council, and can say without question that her heart is in the right place and her care for the community in which she lives beyond question.
''As a friend I am pleased to hear that she intends to remain part of the other committees where she can, for I have no doubt her enthusiasm will prevail. Her kind are sorely needed.
''As Councillor Morrison said, we both attended the October meeting of the community council and the 'tension within the ranks', as Donald put it, was clear to the point of embarrassment to onlookers and I was concerned enough to telephone Pat later that evening to try to ease her mind after the trauma that had gone before. Good luck Patricia and well done.
''I offer no opinions on the merits or otherwise of community councils and trust that all will now settle down and that the council will continue to play their part in serving the community of Arbroath. For the value it gives me in listening to another dimension of the moods and views of the people of the town I will continue of course to attend their meetings whenever I can offering help and advice as is my function.''
Mrs Millar joined the community council in 1987.
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