Conservative councillors on Moray Council have expressed their frustration as their request to urgently debate two motions were turned down by the SNP Convener of the Council.
The motions, on Dr Gray’s Hospital and grass-cutting in public spaces, will now be put back to a meeting in October.
Commenting, Leader of the Conservative group Cllr Tim Eagle (Buckie Ward) said : “It is intensely frustrating that we will not be able to discuss these matters in a timely fashion. They are important and people expect their councillors to take them seriously.
“Dr Gray’s has been a source of much concern for many months now. Having spoken to a wide range of users and medical staff my council group felt it vital that the Moray Council submits a response to the consultation currently being run by NHS Grampian.
“For instance, we find it unacceptable that Obstetrics and Gynaecology have yet again been downgraded and that there is little detail in the new Paediatric ward plan. Our views should be heard and we should not be going cap-in-hand asking for permission to make a late submission to NHS Grampian as this delay puts us past the consultation deadline.
“On grass cutting, we are delighted by the huge work communities have done but we should let volunteers invest in other community activities. The policy needs to be debated and reconsidered.”
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston added: “It’s very disappointing that Moray councillors will be denied the opportunity to discuss the problems at Dr Gray’s Hospital by the ruling of the convener.
“These issues stand to impact on the resources of the council because it has responsibilities as a funding partner of the Moray Integration Joint Board, which acts as a bridge between healthcare and social care. If one element is under pressure then it directly affects the other.
“Shona Morrison was more than happy to allow an extended debate about Brexit, which was little more than a political stunt, and wasted a considerable amount of the time of officers and councillors.
“The Convener of Moray Council should act in an even-handed manner; one which retains the confidence of all members. In the future, decisions on which motions are allowed or not should be made on the basis of what is within the remit of the council and of concern to local residents.”
