PETERSFIELD town councillor Kenneth Hick has lambasted several East Hampshire District Council counterparts, claiming they have shirked their duty to the town and its residents. The attack follows the thorny issue of the national park, centring upon an EHDC meeting held on July 26, where three out of six Petersfield district councillors were absent. "I am disappointed at the failure of the town's district council members to take up cudgels on behalf of Petersfield at the meeting at Penns Place to discuss the district council's reaction to the inspector's report," said Mr Hick, who is on holiday, in a statement. "The fact that three of them were not in attendance at such an important meeting may well be excused because of prior engagements, but surely the town's interests deserve better representation," he added. In response, Liberal Democrat Anne Claxtonsaid: "Two of our Petersfield councillors were not there for family reasons, as their sons were visiting from America, and the meeting was called at short notice – about a week to 10 days." Conservatives Bob and Hilary Ayer weren't present at the meeting, with Mr Ayer citing the biannual visit of close family member as a "bona fide reason". "My attendance at meetings is very good, but sometimes being a grandparent comes first." The third absentee, Tory Guy Stacpoole, said: "I'm not interested in making a comment, especially when I don't know who this town councillor is. I think his comments are irrelevant and he's probably seeking a bit of publicity," he added, brusquely. Mr Hick, an experienced town councillor of more than 40 years, believes that the matter is "the most important proposal" in that timespan, and that Petersfield's inclusion in the national park is vital. "I am deeply concerned at the recommendation by the government inspector to amend proposals to leave whole areas from the previously agreed boundaries of the South Downs National Park out. "I have been involved in the planning of Petersfield since I joined the Urban District Council in 1965, and never have such important proposals for the future of the Petersfield area been placed before us. "We may not clearly see the value of being in the national park, but I am sure that we all have a clear view of the dangers of being left out of it."
