The review of the council's cabinet decision on 16 February to adopt a commissioning model for adult education in Merton was held on Tuesday.

The meeting was a farce.

Several witnesses, including representatives from Whatley Avenue staff and students, and from Joseph Hood Primary School, made excellent presentations to the meeting, made more difficult by a microphone system failure which meant the members of the public present found it almost impossible to follow all of what was being said.  Strong arguments were made by these witnesses that the consultation process had not been properly carried out and, in particular, that the primary school should have been more directly consulted, in the event that the Whatley Avenue site is used for a new secondary school or is sold off for housing.

The cabinet member for education, Councillor Martin Whelton, behaved abominably, insulting a member of the public in his opening remarks, and shouting and pointing at one of his fellow councillors - behaviour more at home in a school playground than in an adult meeting.

The chair, Councillor Peter Southgate, having started the meeting by insisting that discussion would be restricted to the decision made at the 16 February meeting, then allowed the councillors to drift onto other matters, so confusing the discussions.

Councillor John Dehaney asked if the Whatley Avenue site was still occupied - clearly indicating that he had not read any of the meeting papers and had taken no interest in the subject.  This did not prevent him voting at the end of the meeting.  So much for democracy!

Councillors should remember they are selected and paid by the residents of Merton.  They need to show more respect for the public they are there to serve by carrying out their duties in an adult and professional manner.

Derek Gambell

via email