INDEPENDENT Councillor Neil Johnson has called for a “root and branch review” of Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council after Parish Clerk Cheyvonne Bower, the third person to hold the role in as many years, announced her departure after just six months.
In a statement published on Facebook, Ms Bower said:
“I would like to inform residents that I have today resigned from my role as Parish Clerk at Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council.
“I have worked hard for the last six months to turn things around at the council and believe I have transformed things internally- though that may not yet be apparent to outsiders.
“I have updated policies, balanced the books, completed the internal and external audits and opened the accounts for inspection by the public.
“It is part of the job description for me to advise members on the legality of their actions and decisions. Unfortunately, this has caused conflict with those who don’t want to follow the law.
“These same members have the majority and therefore decided that upon completion of my six month probation, they didn’t want to offer me the security of a permanent position.
“I have already proved myself against all odds and will not be forced to endure any more of the toxicity and bullying, without any job security behind me.
“Thank you to Chris, Janet, Ben, Neil, Bernie and Val for your support.
“I think it says everything when even my two very public previous enemies have recognised that I have done a good job and earned a permanent role.”
Reacting to the latest developments, Cllr. Johnson says: “Cheyvonne Bower’s statement is a vindication of all those who have challenged the current ways and means by which the Parish Council is run.
“Her remarks, which imply that certain elected members have implied that they do not wish to follow the law are very serious indeed and are deserving of a full investigation.
“Although I have disagreed politically with Ms Bower on many occasions (and, I am sure, I will do so again), she speaks powerfully about a dangerous culture that has consumed village politics and which must be brought to light and rooted out.
“The Parish Council in Culcheth and Glazebury must now recruit its fourth Clerk in as many years. By any measurement, this is not a common or tenable situation.
“I believe there must be a root and branch review encompassing all aspects of the Parish Council’s operation. All members of the Labour/Conservative Coalition should be properly scrutinised and, where failings are identified, held to account.
“The Borough Council must commission such a review without delay.
“Enough really is enough.”
In response, Councillor Alicia Edwards, Chair of Culcheth & Glazebury Parish Council said: “Culcheth & Glazebury Parish Council acknowledges the resignation of the Parish Clerk and thanks her for her service over the past six months. We appreciate the work undertaken during her employment and wish her every success in her future career.
“As this relates to an individual employment matter, it would not be appropriate for the Council to comment on personal opinions, employment discussions or confidential staffing matters. The Council has a legal duty to respect employee confidentiality and will continue to do so.
“The Parish Council remains committed to serving the residents of Culcheth and Glazebury, maintaining high standards of governance, and ensuring that the Council continues to operate effectively during this period of transition.
“Our priority remains delivering services to the community and working positively for the benefit of our residents.”
