New Forest Conservative Association been passed an explosive message which Lib Dem Councillor, Mark Clark, posted on a Lib Dem WhatsApp group. The message reads: "Lets fight our campaign rather than worrying about the graveyard ransacking by the Tories or Labour's out of towners... May Dave's garden be forever under water".
We are absolutely appalled and disgusted with these comments, but sadly not surprised.
The gentleman referred to in the comment is David Twedell, a resident of Valleydene and a local candidate in these forthcoming elections.
Residents living in two roads in Hythe & Dibden Parish Parish (Valleydene and lower Highlands way) have been ignored since 2015 with severe flooding which threatens to continually damage their homes. Despite the Parish Council initially taking responsibility for the burst pipe causing the issues, the residents are now being ignored. The Lib Dems have wasted over £80k on this fiasco, with a whopping £40k towards legal advice in their pursuit of the residents. David Twdell, so exasperated by this situation, the inaction by the Parish Council and the effect this is having on his property and properties of his neighbours, therefore decided to stand as a candidate in the local elections. David is Chairman of the local Residents Association which was formed by 16 households as a result of the problem with the Parish Council. T This is a disgrace and follows similar inaction to repair the seawall in Hythe. The residents' gardens remain saturated.
We are disappointed in these comments and call upon Malcolm Wade, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on the District Council, to take immediate and appropriate action by suspending Mark Clark and investigate the matter.
We truly hope that any representative always acts in the best interest of residents. The mere thought that someone would act in a separate way and actively wish local residents ill-will, is abhorrent, irrespective of the Party from which that individual originates. Mark Clark is often quick to criticise the failings of others, but now he must take responsibility and accountability for his indefensible comments and consider his position carefully. If re-elected, how can the residents of Valleydene have any confidence in the matter being resolved following Mark Clarks comments?
Mark Clark has spoken with David Twydell about the comments made and offered a half hearted apology, but essentially said "that's politics, just speak with your agent". David does not accept the insincere apology.
Mark Clark has form in this regard, he has previously stated that Hythe is a "no go" area for anyone who doesn't agree with 'their' (Lib Dem) views.
On this occasion Malcolm Wade needs to take firm action. the mental strain that the residents of Valleydene have experienced over this issue should not be joked about, nor the terrible situation that many face. Mark Clark finally needs to take responsibility for his actions, rather than simply not turn up to meetings and offer half baked apologies.
