Call for truce in residents’ group battle
9:10am Thursday 2nd June 2011
IN-FIGHTING is threatening the future of a Westcliff residents’ association.
The Residents’ Association of Westborough, known locally as RAW, has been criticised by a former member who claims some members are fed up with the way it is being run.
Councillors have stepped in as mediators to try to save the association, which was formed 10 years ago and has 100 members. Former member Dave Batter, of Fleetwood Avenue, Westcliff, is at the centre of the row.
He was expelled earlier this year after falling out with leading lights in the organisation.
He says some residents are now disillusioned with the group. He explained: “I was voted on the committee in January, but the management committee refused to have me on it. The association’s constitution says there should be minutes of committee meetings, but I have never seen any in six years. “My concerns are all about keeping things accountable. I have spoken to a few other members who are not happy about the way things are being run.”
Another member, Lydia Sookias, wrote to the Echo, complaining the group’s last meeting, on May 20, at which a call for an extraordinary meeting was denied, was particularly hostile.
Martin Terry, Independent councillor for Westborough ward, one of the group’s founders, agreed.
He said: “The last meeting was dreadful.
“I’m not privy to everything that’s gone on, but the three ward councillors want to act as mediators and ensure we don’t lose our residents’ association.”
Mr Terry said he was a huge believer in residents’ associations and
The Residents’ Association of Westborough, known locally as RAW, has been criticised by a former member who claims some members are fed up with the way it is being run.
Councillors have stepped in as mediators to try to save the association, which was formed 10 years ago and has 100 members. Former member Dave Batter, of Fleetwood Avenue, Westcliff, is at the centre of the row.
He was expelled earlier this year after falling out with leading lights in the organisation.
He says some residents are now disillusioned with the group. He explained: “I was voted on the committee in January, but the management committee refused to have me on it. The association’s constitution says there should be minutes of committee meetings, but I have never seen any in six years. “My concerns are all about keeping things accountable. I have spoken to a few other members who are not happy about the way things are being run.”
Another member, Lydia Sookias, wrote to the Echo, complaining the group’s last meeting, on May 20, at which a call for an extraordinary meeting was denied, was particularly hostile.
Martin Terry, Independent councillor for Westborough ward, one of the group’s founders, agreed.
He said: “The last meeting was dreadful.
“I’m not privy to everything that’s gone on, but the three ward councillors want to act as mediators and ensure we don’t lose our residents’ association.”
Mr Terry said he was a huge believer in residents’ associations and