Three ex-mayors of Bewdley stood in unison this week when former administrations of the town council were accused of financial mismanagement.

The debacle occurred as Councilors met to finalize next year's budget which would set the annual council tax precept for Bewdley residents.

Councilor Gordon Yarranton (Conservative) accused the previous Town Councils of Financial mismanagement

But former mayors Elizabeth Davies (Health Concern), Paul Gittins (Labour) and Anthony Williams (Health Concern) each vehemently countered the accusation and said that during their terms as leader of the town council they had always acted in the best interests of Bewdley.

Councilor Yarranton was eventually forced to retract his statement, and apologize.

Town council members then took a vote to agree that details of the budget should be discussed in public.

The budget was agreed with a vote of 8 to 4, including support from two Conservative Councilors, thus emphasizing once more an increasing split in conservative ranks. 
The increase in the precept of £4.25p per annum, approximately 8p per week for a band "D" household will among other things enable the Council to contribute more to popular Community events e.g. Christmas Lights.

Liz. Davies
Jan 2007