Councillors in Whitchurch have reacted angrily to what they call defamatory comments on social media about their role in the failed Aldi planning application.

The council’s full meeting, held last Thursday, had an item dedicated to agreeing a statement rebuking the comments – which suggested the council ‘greased palms’ and took ‘backhanders’ – as Councillor John Sinnott claimed he was on the verge of resigning because of them.

His fellow members condemned the comments and challenged those who made them on the Friends of Whitchurch Group to join them and be of use to the town.

A statement said: “Whitchurch Town Council has read defamatory comments about councillors involved in the planning application process on the Friends of Whitchurch Facebook page.

“(We are) not a planning authority and can only make comment on planning applications.

“This council has no decision-making power and can only influence the decision by the comments made.

“All councillors are unpaid volunteers and offer their time freely to serve the residents of the town.

“Councillors from Shropshire Council, the planning authority, can only vote on planning applications that are not in their electorate ward. If a Shropshire councillor has an interest in a planning application, whether this be an ordinary or pecuniary interest, they would declare this interest and not vote.

“Our planning application comments are made using material considerations which are listed on Shropshire Council’s planning portal. Our comments also refer to the National Planning Policy Framework to lend weight to the argument for or against a planning application.

“We, as a democratically elected body and the first tier of local government, act in the best interests of the residents of the town. All council and committee meetings are open to the public and are advertised on the noticeboard outside the Civic Centre and

www.whitchurchcouncil.uk

“We also have vacancies for town councillors; therefore if you would like to get involved, please get in touch with the town clerk on 01948 665761 or email clerk@whitchurchcouncil.co.uk.”