When is a public meeting not a public meeting?

Staff at the Waltham Forest Guardian are trying to find out – and are putting pressure on their local authority after chief reporter Naomi Wright was thrown out of the borough transport liaison consultative group.

Journalists and the public had always been welcome to attend discussions and Naomi set out her case to stay… but was unsuccessful.

And since the group decided to hold talks in private, the dates have not appeared on the borough’s list of meetings.

The saga began in January, when the Guardian tried to get into one of the committee meetings but was banned.

And the liaison group this week reiterated its wish to remain private, saying decisions were not made at the meetings but that discussions that lead to decisions being made were.

The secrecy has led to confusion on transport issues, according to editor Pat Stannard, who said that in one instance the paper was officially told there were no plans to put double decker buses on a contentious route, and reported that news.

But soon after she heard from a local pressure group to say it was pleased to have won its battle for bigger buses.

Editor Pat Stannard said in an editorial in the Guardian: “We have been told that the transport authorities object to our being there because they feel it stifles their ability to speak freely. We have been told that the delegates of various community and transport users’ groups represent residents’ interests.

“We have even been told that the council has no power or authority over its activities.

“This is a ludicrous situation.

“Firstly, what have the transport authorities got to say that cannot be addressed to the whole travelling public?

“Secondly, how can self-selected group members – not chosen by the general public – represent the interests of all of us when most of them have their own axes to grind?

“Thirdly, how can a meeting chaired by councillors, attended by councillors, clerked by the council and held in the town hall be truly described as private?”

With the debate stoked at a recent council meeting – a real one this time – the ball remains with the London Borough of Waltham Forest Council.

Pat said: “We’re very interested in the development of new bus routes and changes to public transport, as it affects everyone.”

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]