Four resign from Berwick-upon-Tweed Town Council

And two of the former councillors have criticised “salaried officers, who want to control what happens in Berwick” and said “it seems there is actually a climate of fear” at the local authority in a statement on social media.

Vacancies have been posted on the council’s website following the resignations of Wendy Robertson, Robert Bruce (both St Boisil ward), Anne Williams (Upper Spittal) and Anne Forbes (Magdalene) over the last three weeks with immediate effect.

Anne Forbes, a former Mayor of Berwick, had been on a leave of absence and she said she stood down to have more time with family and to herself following the death of her mother.

In a statement on Berwick social media page The Bridge, Wendy and Robert said: “We feel that we can do more as individuals outside the town council to get what our communities deserve without waiting for the approval of salaried officers, who want to control what happens in Berwick. The councillors have almost no say.

“Added to which, a large percentage of town council income seems to go on council staff salaries, not directly into the community. Residents of Berwick do not appear to get value for money.

“Anyone considering standing as a town councillor in Berwick should attend a few public meetings to see the lie of the land and think carefully about involving themselves in the town council as it currently stands.

“Odd to say it in 2023, but it seems there is actually a climate of fear in Berwick Town Council.”

Going into more depth in a statement to the Gazette, Wendy added: “The content of a recent post by The Bridge comes from the best intentions for the people of Berwick as residents and tax-payers. Nothing less.”

“No training is given to new councillors leading to decisions being taken in committees by councillors who have no expertise in matters which then affect the whole town.

“One positive is that council meetings are available as audio recordings. Yet, as far as I am aware, this has not been publicised by the council.

“Overall, there is a lack of accountability at Berwick Town Council. I hope that an honest and transparent discussion can now begin.”