I FIND Coun Anthony Peake's excuses for attending only 54 per cent of his scheduled borough council meetings difficult to take. He claims that an important part of his role is liaison between Swindon and Highworth councils, yet over the last year (2007/08) he only managed 50 per cent attendance at Highworth council.
His claim that he is giving this liaison his top priority does not ring true. He says that borough council meetings have a detrimental effect on his work/life balance, but he was only down to attend 13 council meetings in 2007/08 which is around one per month - surely he can find time in his busy schedule for such a small commitment?
Other councillors whose meeting commitments are in the 30s, 40s, 50s and even 60s have managed a far greater attendance.
Coun Peake receives £7,000 allowance for his council activities, based on his attendance - to date this represents £1,000 per meeting!
PHIL BEAUMONT Shrivenham Road Highworth Swindon
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