Doncaster mayor accused of ‘political positioning’ over masterplan

Councillor Sean Gibbons, member of the independent Mexborough First party, hit out at Mayor Ros Jones and accused DMBC officers of ‘working with the ruling Labour group behind the scenes’.

Coun Gibbons said the last proper contact he had on the town masterplan was in October 2019 and added he was ‘blindsided’ by the announcement from the Labour mayor.

Mexborough voters returned three independent councillors in 2017 ousting the sitting Labour members on the council.

Coun Gibbons has said the party has pushed for a master plan since 2015 and the council agreed to spend £50,000 on a consultancy firm in order to draw up rough plans in 2018.

The consultation itself will run until mid-January but DMBC bosses have said Mayor Jones will extend it if needed.

DMBC bosses also said that a plan was needed in order to provide ‘shovel-ready’ schemes in relation to the £4bn ‘levelling up’ fund announced recently by Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Coun Gibbons said: “After all this time with no communication, it’s suddenly in the mayor’s best interest by this political positioning to launch this consultation. We’ve been banging the drum for this for five years.

“We think there’s a hidden agenda, we deserve to see this and be properly involved. We’re the current councillors and we care about this town.

“It begs the question why we weren’t involved more, the officers have been working with the Labour party behind the scenes, there’s no other explanation. We’ve been blindsided.”

“It’s also beggar’s belief that the consultation would be launched in the middle of Tier 3, I have no doubt this was railroaded through so it would appear on the mayor’s re-election leaflet.

“We also think that this shouldn’t be rushed and in this current crisis, there are other priorities at the moment. This should be done properly with everyone involved, this opportunity comes along once in a blue moon.”

Mayor Jones said: “I am committed to encouraging regeneration in all Doncaster’s town centres so they are fit for the future.

“This masterplan will provide a positive direction for the future of Mexborough by looking carefully at the right mix of shops, homes, leisure and cultural opportunities. It could help the town thrive and provide plenty for people to experience and enjoy.”

DMBC director of economy and environment, Dan Swaine added: “Mexborough Futures is a collection of potential investment proposals that have been drawn up by the independent consultancy firm David Lock Associates, the initial proposals of which were previously discussed with ward councillors, albeit prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

“This is their masterplan, so all are actively encouraged to get involved and have their say on the future of Mexborough.

“We fully understand that the current coronavirus pandemic is at the forefront of people’s minds, but coronavirus is likely to be with us until well into the spring, and we must look to the future and the social and economic recovery of our towns and communities.

“This masterplan for Mexborough will provide a range of regenerative schemes that could make a real difference to the future of Mexborough."

Full details of the draft plan, including a questionnaire about the proposals, can be found at: www.mexboroughfutures.com

READ MORE:

- Doncaster Council owed over £20million in council tax as Covid-19 leads to rise in arrears

- 136 households spent 6,000 nights in temporary accommodation in Doncaster

- Doncaster MPs and business leaders react to Tier 3 annoucement

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a print subscription. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Please subscribe here https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/ so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.