Piggies Squeal As Trough Removed Moved A Little Further Away!

But don’t call the RSPCA just yet….

Last week's East Lindsey District Council planning committee began at 11am with a programmed break for lunch before the afternoon session began at 2pm.

At previous meetings, councillors had been provided with a light lunch in the members' room, to allow them to get refreshment in what is often a short recess.

However, at Thursday's meeting, councillors claimed a decision by chief executive Nigel Howells and leader Councillor Doreen Stephenson had ended this practice and instead members could eat at the Gatehouse canteen at the entrance to Manby Park.

Well, fair enough. Cutbacks, and all that…

But wait. It’s still going to be a free lunch!

Members would still be able to claim back the cost of their meal on expenses.

So, can’t have anything to complain about, you’d think?

You’d be wrong:

Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders said: "It is quite a long way to walk for people, especially if they have mobility difficulties."

Councillor Steve O'Dare added: "Regarding costs, pardon me for thinking this, but if everyone is going to Gatehouse it is going to be far more expensive than providing a reasonable array of sandwiches and coffee in the members room. This is a decision that needs to be rescinded and quickly."

Councillor Mark Anderson suggested that a motion should be put to full council on the issues.

Councillor Terry Knowles added: "Putting something like soup and a roll or whatever in the members room, particularly when we are looking at 20 minutes is easy. It makes a lot of logical sense so let's dig our heels in and do it."

But wait, isn’t there another possible option?

A spokesman for ELDC, said: "When councillors are attending full day meetings, we look at the most cost effective way of providing lunch and, depending on numbers, sometimes that is to use the cafe on site run by Linkage Community Trust.

"However, councillors still have the option to bring a packed lunch if they find that more convenient."

Ah. Yes. That was it.