RESIDENTS have called on budding district councillors to pledge to higher standards.
People from Alfrick and Lusley, Clifton-upon-Teme, Leigh Sinton, Upon-upon-Severn, Powick and Welland have challenged the candidates standing for election or re-election to Malvern Hills District Council to make the vow.
The pledge includes always putting forward and supporting the views of residents in the ward they represent, not seeking planning permission for any multi-house residential or commercial development on land owned by the councillor and, finally, if that situation changes to resign immediately.
Ian Smith, of the Alfrick and Lusley Residents’ Group, said: “The controversies over the last 18 months or so over some of the planning applications which involve personal gain for district councillors have highlighted major shortcomings in the governance rules for district councils.
“The fact MHDC, some councillors and their legal advice believe there are no conflicts of interest, while residents and our legal advice believe there clearly is, shows the problem.
“We would like the behaviour and standards of councillors to be more closely aligned to what voters expect and would therefore ask all candidates to sign up to ‘The Councillors Pledge’.
“If they will not, we would ask the residents of the Malvern Hills district to ask them why, and vote accordingly.”
The pledge already has the support of the Independent candidates and those standing for the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party.
