'APPALLING scenes’ of councillors from adjoining villages verbally attacking each other have led to Calbourne Parish Council being branded a shambles.
Three members have been referred to the Island’s ethical standards committee, amid claims of bullying, while residents have criticised the co-opting of a Newchurch man onto the council.
Complaints about the conduct of Cllrs John Jewett, John Angell and John Hayward have been made to the ethical standards committee by fellow councillor Tim Eldridge.
Allegations of bullying, intimidation and failure to follow procedure have been referred to the Isle of Wight Council’s monitoring officer, and Chris Mathews, head of diplomatic services and deputy monitoring officer, will attend meetings in an advisory capacity while an investigation is carried out.
Speaking at Monday’s parish council meeting, Calbourne resident Liz Fernley said councillors had dismissed residents’ concerns over the co-option of Cllr Jonathan Kovacik in November.
Cllr Kovacik lives in Newchurch, although he owns a farm in nearby Porchfield, leading more than 180 Calbourne residents to sign a petition opposing his co-option.
He said he had been co-opted following a fair vote, and asked residents to judge him on his actions not his address.
"We should be working together instead of trying to tear ourselves apart," he said.
But residents said the vote had not been fair, pointing out Cllr Jewett — who admitted knowing Cllr Kovacik but failed to declare an interest at the co-option meeting — was the only member to speak in his favour.
Cllr Jewett said he had declared an interest at a previous meeting, and did not realise he was obliged to do so again.
"I will pursue this and the whole of Calbourne will pursue this until something is done," said Mrs Fernley.
"There have been some quite appalling scenes at parish council meetings, with those on the Porchfield side attacking Calbourne councillors and not a lot getting done," said Calbourne resident Zoe Chapman, who also stood against Cllr Kovacik.
It was also announced at Monday’s meeting that council clerk Lea Kerley had resigned.
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk