Angus Council licensing committees are in crisis after a damning attack by political rivals led a dyslexic colleague to step down from chairing them.
Arbroath East and Lunan councillor Brenda Durno was appointed to lead the licensing board and civic licensing committee after the SNP returned to power in Angus at May’s local elections.
But just months into the job she has resigned from both roles.
It follows a complaint from the council’s Tory/Independent opposition group which branded last month’s meetings the most “ineptly run” they had seen.
They said the proceedings were unprofessional.
Opposition figures on the committees – including predecessor licensing board chairman Craig Fotheringham – resigned immediately.
The criticism has now also led Mrs Durno to step down.
She said she had hoped for more support from opposition colleagues.
Letter of complaint
The licensing board deals with licensing for pubs and clubs across Angus.
Civic licensing handles other regulated matters including taxi rates and licenses as well as permits for other traders including window cleaners.
The meetings usually follow each other on the same day.
They were last held on September 15.
Opposition group leader Derek Wann wrote to council chief executive Margo Williamson later that day.
The Arbroath East and Lunan Conservative said: “I have been requested by the group to write after being asked by them to watch today’s meeting of civic and licensing.
“We have never seen such an ineptly run meeting.
“A member of the public watching would have every right to expect a higher standard of professionalism in public life, paid for after all by the taxpayer.
“Two of my members, Craig Fotheringham and Gavin Nicol, after attending the last few meetings, have both felt the need to resign.
“I have spoken with both to ask them to reconsider for the sake of the committee, however without major change they feel that their decision is the right course of action and obviously that is for them to decide.
“After some early discussions we do not have any members willing to put their names forward to join the board.
“Whilst we cannot force change and I would not consider it my position to do so, I feel it’s important to let you all know the reasons why they have taken this action.”
Lack of support
Mrs Durno said she had hoped for more backing from political rivals, including the board’s former chairman.
“I was very disappointed to learn Councillors Fotheringham and Nicol have resigned from Angus licensing board and civic licensing committee,” she said.
“As valued colleagues who I have worked with over the last five years, I would have expected them to support the newer, less experienced members on this new board and committee, as is the norm.
“I knew the role of convener would be challenging, given my dyslexia, and would like to thank the remaining members for their support.
“It has been a privilege to serve as convener, but I will now step down.
“Whoever takes my place is assured of every assistance I can offer.”
Former board chairman silent
Monifieth and Sidlaw Conservative councillor Mr Fotheringham declined to comment on the matter.
Shortly before the local elections he said Angus might have to consider a shake-up of late hours opening.
It followed a successful court challenge by an Arbroath pub which was refused 2am weekend opening despite it being granted to other premises in the district.
The agenda of the latest meeting which led to Mrs Durno’s resignation included an aplication for 3.30am weekend opening by De Vito’s nightclub in Arbroath.
Mrs Durno’s casting vote on her first meeting in charge in June sank a previous bid by the club for the early hours extension.
And the latest attempt hit a snag after Police Scotland quoted sex shop legislation rather than liquor licensing rules in their objection.
The application will likely be dealt with at the board’s next meeting in November.
Conversation