SNP Councillors Slam Community Wardens Decision

SNP Councillors in Moray have slammed the Council’s Tory/Independent Administration over their decision to transfer the management of the warden service from Grampian Police to The Moray Council.

The SNP Councillors on the Policy & Resources Committee, which considered the issue today, voted against the proposals, a vote which the Administration scraped through by 6 votes to 7,

Speaking after the decision SNP Councillor for Elgin City South, Graham Leadbitter, said:

“As far as I can see there is no strategic reason for transferring this service to the Council. The public have been very supportive of the service so why change what is working very well?

“I know that the Wardens oppose the move and local police officers have told myself and my SNP colleagues that they very much value the relationship with the Wardens. I am far from convinced that this relationship can be maintained as effectively under these new arrangements.”

Forres SNP Councillor Irene Ogilvie said:

“We have a Community Warden in Forres who has received awards for the fantastic initiatives she has led in the community and I am very fearful that this will be lost. That would be of no benefit to the Forres Community whatsoever.

“I think the Tory/Independent Administration in the Council will come to regret this decision, which will have a detrimental impact on our ability to tackle anti-social behaviour problems across Moray.”