Comhairle convenor and the chair of sustainable development decided not to answer key questions asked by SNP councillor Gordon Murray at last Wednesday's full council.
Councillor Murray said "it is astonishing that these senior councillors are unwilling to answer questions originating from real concerns from the community. I intend to keep pursuing these issues and work hard for the community I was elected to represent."
When asked about the inequity of education provision for children who attend Laxdale and Stornoway Primaries compared to children in the new schools despite a £3.8 million underspend, councillor convenor Norman Macdonald flatly refused to make any response
Asked again if he would agree to review the unpopular Home to School Transport policy which has left some children in the Stornoway North ward huddled in inadequately small bus shelters or waiting on the verge and edge of ditches on main roads. Again, the convenor gave no response and waved away calls to answer the safety concerns.
Recently appointed director to the outer Hebrides Energy Supply Company Cllr Alasdair Macleod from Point also chairs the sustainable development committee at the Comhairle, when asked about exploring the option of supplying cost price electricity to local households in the Western Isles with a view to addressing fuel poverty issues, Macleod remained silent.
Questions to the Convenor, leader or chairs of committees is a long standing agenda item which allows elected members the opportunity to raise issues through the form of questions that may not have been addressed through the service committees.
A journal written by the SNP opposition group on the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council).
