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Council security clampdown after leak to the Gazette (From Gazette)
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Council security clampdown after leak to the Gazette
12:20am Saturday 4th July 2009
COUNCILLORS could be denied access to parts of Tendring Council’s buildings under new plans.
Members are issued with a swipe card that gives them unrestricted access to Clacton Town Hall and offices in Weeley in working hours – but the new Conservative administration has called for a review.
One councillor told the Gazette the move is a response to a secret document, outlining proposals to axe leisure projects, that was leaked to the Gazette.
However, council leader Neil Stock has denied the claim.
One of the options put forward could see councillors’ access to the door entry system removed, meaning they would need to report to reception to get into secure areas.
Another option would see differing levels of access, which would allow some councillors to access certain secure areas.
The final option could see extra swipe readers installed, at a cost of up to £3,000 each.
Mr Stock said: “It’s about having a more professional relationship between councillors and officers.
“It is not appropriate for councillors to just stroll into offices where officers are trying to do their work.”
Tendring First councillor Pierre Oxley said members should not have to report to reception.
He added: “I believe as a councillor I need to access the council buildings and officers to do my job.
“That was the same philosophy they had at County Hall when I was a county councillor.”
He added all card activity is already recorded, so the council knows when a councillor accesses a secure area.
A decision on the security issue is expected to be made by Tendring Council’s cabinet on Wednesday.
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Your Say YourColchester
cavillas, walton on the naze says...
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Who said what, Essex says...
11:54pm Sat 4 Jul 09
“That was the same philosophy they had at County Hall when I was a county councillor.”
but alas he is no longer in that position.
The new administration has come into Town Hall to sort out the mess its now in,
so change is on the cards,
not least the security swipe cards.
“It is not appropriate for councillors to just stroll into offices where officers are trying to do their work.”
This secure work environment is nothing new is it,
it works well elsewhere, so why not in our Officers workplace.
If its the working system that keeps secure items secure,
then so be it,
rather than a free for all.
Historicaly, a "prominent" councillor has been slapped across his naughty wrists for just walking into the officers workplace.
Under the proposed new system, it cannot happen unless access is granted first.