Forum code questioned

This was a proposal made by the executive committee in its suggested new constitution and chairman Paul Plim described it as a way of outlining boundaries.

This followed from the last meeting which was afterwards described as “a fiasco” and chaotic by members of the public who attended it.

The Code of Conduct - which headed the Tuesday’s agenda - stated: “All attendees are expected to treat those present, including Rother District Council members, employees and all other invited guests, with care and respect.

“The use of abusive, threatening, dangerous, inflammatory or violent behaviour and fould or abusive language at any meeting will not be tolerated at any time.”

The warning concluded that anyone found to be behaving in such a way would be asked to leave.

It was not made clear how this might be enforced.

Margaret Jones, a member of the Forum since its early days, said she was “astounded” by the Code of Conduct.

“What would anyone coming for the first time make of it?” she asked.

“That we are a foul-mouthed rabble prone to violence?

“In 12 years such a code of conduct has never been considered necessary. I’d suggest we give the chair a gavel to use if necessary to bring a meeting to order. If that doesn’t have any effect, then he or she can ask the speaker to leave the floor.

“And I do not think we need to treat councillors with care.”

Ron Storkey agreed that newcomers to the Forum would wonder about the proposal.

“What sort of organisation is this where you have to be warned not to misbehave?

“These are people who care about Bexhill.”

He said to Paul Plim: “We elected you as chairman. If anyone is out of order, you will tell them to please be quiet, or whatever you need to do... but you do not need these rules.”