Mayor says meeting wanted 'a lynching not a debate'
TORBAY mayor Nick Bye claims people at a public meeting 'wanted a lynching, not a debate'.
Mr Bye (pictured) attended the evening meeting to discuss proposals to transform Victorian toilets on Torquay's Babbacombe Downs into a fish restaurant.
The meeting in St Marychurch quickly became heated, with some members of the 300-strong audience shouting insults at the mayor.
Chris Howell, who chaired the meeting, had to ask for quiet, but certain people continued the abuse.
After the meeting, Mr Bye admitted he was shocked by the hostile reception he received.
He was reluctant to be overly critical of the event, but yesterday he said: "The very nature of the style of debate on Monday evening means nobody was very well placed to intelligently answer the points raised. Some folks wanted a lynching, not a debate. There were people there in favour of the project.
"There was no encouragement from the chairman for anybody to speak in favour, and unless they had a very thick skin they would have been unlikely to have done so.
"There were people attempting to speak in favour and they got a dreadful reception. People were slow hand-clapping and barracking. It was ugly."
Mr Howell said he felt the Furrough Cross Church meeting was a success, giving Mr Bye a chance to hear the depth of public feeling about the restaurant proposals.
He added: "I apologise if Nick Bye thinks I was wrong, but I was not there to encourage people to support him or not support him.
"I was there to ensure the meeting went forward in an orderly fashion and I believe it did.
"There was some barracking, but you could say for a mayor it comes with the territory.
"But I don't want this to become personal. I don't want it to become a slanging match. Perhaps Nick Bye will now take stock of what was said and have public consultation about the issue before it goes to planning."
5 Comments
by Cathy, Torbay
Friday, January 22 2010, 10:06AM
“Hi Richard. Maybe you can help me as Mr Bloxhams' Spokesman. I am trying to trace a Mr Roger Bloxham as when I was younger I worked with him at Paignton Pantomine Productions where he produced and directed for many years. (Also at the time when Nick Bye was in panto too strangely!). I was just wondering if you could clarify if Nigel Bloxham is indeed from the same family and if so how I can get back in touch with him? Thanks.”
by Damian, Torquay
Friday, January 22 2010, 9:41AM
“So Richard if 300 people are not representative...how many are? Perhaps the debate should move on now. There are more questions that need to be answered. For example, given that the site in question is in such a desirable location with panoramic views and the council intend to lease in virtually rent-free, is it not possible that there may be many other developers out there who could offer alternative proposals ??? Seems starnge that only Mr Bloxham is interested in the site.”
by Alan, Torquay
Thursday, January 21 2010, 11:23AM
“I was there too. It was the best time I¿ve had since I saw Ruud Gullit play at Plainmoor in 1990. I didn't hear anybody actually swear at the Mayor and he walked through the crowd at the end unjostled. He was given a 'rough ride' by the people ¿ but that¿s politics. I admire him for sitting it out, I thought he'd leave before the end via the back door. I thought the chairman caught the mood of the meeting and controlled it brilliantly, very few people there were in favour of the restaurant.”
by Katherine, Torquay
Thursday, January 21 2010, 10:59AM
“Yes Richard you were there and when you stood up as Mr Bloxham's representative to read his statment you told someone to 'Shut Up and listen' when all they asked was for you to speak up as there was no microphone.
Ironically - this set the tone of the meeting!”
by Richard, Torquay
Thursday, January 21 2010, 10:24AM
“I was there. The meeting was very badly controlled with the Chair openly exhibiting his bias and allowing the vocal few to dominate the event without any real restraint. This meeting was intended to enable both sides to air their views but clearly those in control had other ideas. 300 people do not repre4sent the majority of people in this Bay!”