NEWSLINE has learnt that representations made in respect of planning applications are held within the members lounge. This is apparently in order to prevent them from being disclosed to the public.





What else is held in the 'members lounge' and who has access to it?

There are apparently 'pigeon hole' mail boxes for the elected members mail.

If a member of the public writes to a councillor, it is deposited in the mail drop. If a member of the public leaves a telephone message, it is written up and left in the councillors mail drop, etc.

Where are these boxes located. In member services which can only be accessed by members of ERC or Councillors.

During the day we are informed that councillors do not attend or spend any time in the lounge, which also has rooms that are allocated to each political party.

Some elected members call once a week and uplift their mail and then leave, others only uplift them when they are at the council for a meeting, once a month.

So your correspondence regarding planning applications, and any other matter is safe and secure from the potential of any 'non elected members' prying eyes.!

NEWSLINE has been aware for some considerable time that one elected member has chosen quite unusually to base himself in the members lounge most days of the week.

In addition he brings with him, and provides full access, to his girlfriend.

There is no television or radio in this lounge.

No newspapers or magazines to read.

Cllr James Vincent Luke Waters and his girlfriend Lisa Robertson

Is there any confidential information that this woman will be allowed to see in the member's lounge? Are there any data protection issues with this as we know how strongly she feels about data protection when she made such a big deal about it at a Thornliebank community council meeting recently.

I can't imagine the partners of other elected councillors are frequently seen in the members lounge with their partners.

Obviously the Chief Executive and other elected councillors are happy with this situation otherwise it wouldn't be happening.