THE first joint area panel meeting, last Thursday in Shirecliffe to discuss the Parkwood school proposal, was a disappointment overall. Not for the debate from supporters for and against the proposal but for the lack of backbone shown by the collective of Sheffield councillors who were present, and who throughout the debate kept quiet and did not at any stage dare to suggest where they stood on the matter.
As our elected representatives, it would have been nice to see them climb off the fence for once and actually give an opinion on the proposal. I always thought that was part of their role, to help guide local people on making decisions but it seems t
hat is no longer the case.
On balance, and on that showing, I'm not actually sure what they do and perhaps as part of the cost cutting by the council, removing them from the equation may be a better use of the resources as its clear that council officers wield the real power and the councillors will do as they are told.
I did mistakenly think that now they were back in opposition they'd regain their voices but it seems they are still unable to make up their own minds and need to be told what to think.
Mick Ibbotson, Piper Close, Sheffield 5What do you think? Add your comments below.
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