DIVIDED OPINION OVER REDUCED NUMBER OF COUNCILLORS IN BRIGG

Reducing the number of councillors serving on Brigg Town Council from the current 19 to nine will take effect from the forthcoming election on Thursday, May 2, following a 'community governance' decision made many months ago by North Lincolnshire Council - the local unitary authority.
But different opinions continue to be expressed about the scale of the reduction.
Coun Mike Campion raised the issue at a council meeting in the Angel Suite this week, saying nine was "a ridiculously small number" and pointing out that there would be no cash saving as town councillors did not receive expenses.
He also suggested Brigg was still waiting to learn why it would be left with fewer councillors than some parish authorities.
Coun Rob Waltham, the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said public consultation undertaken had clearly favoured having fewer town councillors - 19 for a town of Brigg's size being "just too many."
He added: "Not one member of the public has ever said to me that they were outraged about having fewer councillors."
Coun Mike Storey pointed out that similar reviews were happening elsewhere in the UK.
But Coun Ann Eardley expressed disappointment at "turning away" some willing to do good work within the town.
Coun Waltham replied that people could contribute to the community by joining volunteer groups, giving Brigg in Bloom as an example.
Answering Coun Campion's point about a parish council review, he suggested this could be looked at in the future.
Pictured above: A meeting of Brigg Town Council in the Angel Suite.