THE chairman of Chesham's youth council, Karen Wright, has blasted town councillors for allowing party politics to influence the authority's decision making process.

The 17-year-old criticised councillors, branding them indecisive and frustrating after their latest recommendation to postpone any permanent plans regarding the future of Lowndes Park skatepark.

At a full meeting of Chesham Town Council last Monday, members agreed to uphold December's decision to keep the gates chained shut after dark for another 12 months despite opposition from the public and youngsters.

A working party made up of residents and councillors had concluded a sound proof barrier for the site would sufficiently reduce noise pollution, but squabbling councillors failed to agree, instead opting to review the situation next year.

Karen told Midweek: "The main problem with the council is their political barriers get in the way of them making decisions for the best.

"The skate park argument has been raging on for ages and myself and residents feel it's time that some conclusions were made."

She added: "I appreciate the enormous amount of work they put in for the town, but I strongly feel that there should be less emphasis on the political party you belong to."

Addressing councillors at last Monday's meeting Ms Wright complained outsiders were prevented from participating in discussions and watching on as members confused matters with political judgement was frustrating.

But Cllr Tony Reed (Lib Dem, Waterside, Chesham) told fellow councillors Ms Wright was of the view members were indecisive because she was not hearing what she wanted to hear.

January 21, 2003 10:00