Local councillor censured over trying to prevent attacks on women.

http://www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/newshastings/Hastings-councillor-censured.6144206.jp

Honestly. This made me want to weep into my glass of water and form a saline solution of sadness. Cllr Matthew Lock, a Tory representative and a lead member of Hastings Borough Council, has been disciplined for passing on concerns from a prospective member of the County Council about the lack of street lights on Clinton Crescent, St Leonards, where there had been a large number of attacks on young women. Cllr Lock was told there was no money in the county council budget for the lights and so took the matter to borough council offers, who have now arranged a walkabout prevention scheme for the street. This would seem like a fine example of local councillors dealing quickly, effectively and commendably with a potentially dangerous situation for their constituents but no, apparently it is an act that is frowned upon by some within the Council.

Cllr Lock's indiscretion, in the eyes of Hastings Borough council, appears to be that the councillor had letters sent to residents, praising Simon Corello (the prospective councillor) for his actions in bringing the issue to him. This was found to have "compromised the political neutrality of officers" of the council.

To suggest that Cllr Lock has acted to further his fellow Tory Simon Corello's career seems to be a joke to me. The man has acted with the utmost respect for his constituents and should have the right to praise Mr Corello's actions. Political neutrality is one thing but to avoid saying "this man has served you well and prevented young women in your area from being potentially attacked" seems to be ridiculous. Politicians are not always worthy of praise but in this case, disciplining an honest and responsible councillor for recognising a colleagues efforts and achievements seems maddening and counter-productive.

Would it have been better if Cllr Lock had stayed silent on the issue and done nothing for these women who had and might have been attacked? For his political career and in the eyes of Hastings Borough Council, maybe. A sad statement about local council politics in the UK.