bhaexpress
New member
From the Argus:-
Questions over stadium photos
LEWES District Council will be investigated by a local government watchdog following claims it used doctored and mis-leading pictures in literature opposing Falmer stadium.
The pro-stadium Seagulls Party has referred its complaint about pictures used in the District Link newsletter to the Local Government Ombudsman.
Spokesman Peter Near, of Henfield, said he was taking the step because he was unhappy that the council's chief executive John Crawford had rebutted his complaint.
The spring edition of the newsletter, sent to all homes, contains a three-page feature defending the council's decision to oppose the Brighton and Hove Albion stadium scheme and detailing its High Court challenge to the planning permission.
In one picture depicting downland around Falmer, the council has superimposed an image of two walkers, blocking out the stadium site at Village Way North and some University of Brighton buildings.
Mr Near says it makes the site look more attractive than it really is. In another section of the newsletter the council says it is opposing the stadium for the sake of people wishing to enjoy the Downs.
The story is illustrated by a picture but campaigners claim the photograph shows walkers at Ditchling Beacon, four miles away from the stadium site.
Mr Near said: "I wrote to the council with a formal complaint because we felt the images deceived the electorate.
"I eventually got a reply two weeks later from the chief executive, who said he did not agree the photographs were misleading.
"I wrote back to challenge that because it did not address the points I raised.
"He replied saying he was not prepared to deal with my complaint because I do not live in the district and that he was not prepared to extend our dialogue.
"The council is trying to put its head in the sand on this one and is clearly ignoring our valid complaint.
"If there is an innocent explanation for using these pictures like this, why can't they come out and say it?"
If the Ombudsman finds there has been maladministration causing injustice he would write to the council asking it to remedy the situation. That could include demanding the council makes an apology, pays compensation or improves its procedures.
A council spokeswoman said: "Lewes District Council did receive two letters from Mr Near which we replied to. We also sent a leaflet that explained the services of the Local Government Ombudsman. We will await a communication from them in due course."
Questions over stadium photos
LEWES District Council will be investigated by a local government watchdog following claims it used doctored and mis-leading pictures in literature opposing Falmer stadium.
The pro-stadium Seagulls Party has referred its complaint about pictures used in the District Link newsletter to the Local Government Ombudsman.
Spokesman Peter Near, of Henfield, said he was taking the step because he was unhappy that the council's chief executive John Crawford had rebutted his complaint.
The spring edition of the newsletter, sent to all homes, contains a three-page feature defending the council's decision to oppose the Brighton and Hove Albion stadium scheme and detailing its High Court challenge to the planning permission.
In one picture depicting downland around Falmer, the council has superimposed an image of two walkers, blocking out the stadium site at Village Way North and some University of Brighton buildings.
Mr Near says it makes the site look more attractive than it really is. In another section of the newsletter the council says it is opposing the stadium for the sake of people wishing to enjoy the Downs.
The story is illustrated by a picture but campaigners claim the photograph shows walkers at Ditchling Beacon, four miles away from the stadium site.
Mr Near said: "I wrote to the council with a formal complaint because we felt the images deceived the electorate.
"I eventually got a reply two weeks later from the chief executive, who said he did not agree the photographs were misleading.
"I wrote back to challenge that because it did not address the points I raised.
"He replied saying he was not prepared to deal with my complaint because I do not live in the district and that he was not prepared to extend our dialogue.
"The council is trying to put its head in the sand on this one and is clearly ignoring our valid complaint.
"If there is an innocent explanation for using these pictures like this, why can't they come out and say it?"
If the Ombudsman finds there has been maladministration causing injustice he would write to the council asking it to remedy the situation. That could include demanding the council makes an apology, pays compensation or improves its procedures.
A council spokeswoman said: "Lewes District Council did receive two letters from Mr Near which we replied to. We also sent a leaflet that explained the services of the Local Government Ombudsman. We will await a communication from them in due course."
Wash your mouth out. They wouldn't lie would they?
