THE Labour group have been accused of being Luddites, however this is far from the truth, ‘we want a free safe Wifi’. However major decisions need to be reviewed and voted on by full council.

The Conservative administration had in our judgement rushed into a major agreement with a locally connected businessman without following the usual protocols intended to protect public money. Normally the council is open and transparent in its dealings, ensuring good value for money. This venture seems like a good idea however it is wholly reliant on the council providing infrastructure such as the borough’s lamp posts, the use of the power supply, free office space, and the upgrading of the council’s Internet link. No wonder other commercial Wifi suppliers feel aggrieved about not being given such an opportunity.

The Conservative administration has hidden its dealings behind the smokescreen of commercial sensitivity, however this device has simply been used to keep away your elected politicians from looking at the detail of the deal. This venture is clearly based on the long term investment of council tax payers’ money and an at risk loan of £450,000 of public money. The Labour group believes that such an investment would attract many suitable partners through the normal open transactions.

The Conservative administration keeps telling us that we are a cash strapped council therefore it was noted that the Conservative leader, Rod Bluh, stated at scrutiny that we did not have to provide a loan to enable this Wifi venture to work. I stated to him why make it then? I did not receive an answer.

Due to health concerns about Wifi, Labour would have insisted on a health scrutiny review first before committing any public money. Our message i we do support a safe free Wifi and that our motion set out to protect public money, protect the reputation of the council and its’ politicians. At a time when the general public feels let down by many of its politicians we have to show we are listening to concerns and demonstrate good Practise. Labour is determined to ensure the details of this deal are made public.

(Coun) BOB WRIGHT Labour Central Ward Southbrook Street Swindon