Councillor criticised for meetings absence and lack of contact

Residents of Wroughton and Wichelstowe have raised concerns over what they say is a lack of presence and assistance from Swindon Borough Councillor Adam Poole, who was elected to the ward in May 2023.

Since the Liberal Democrat representative was elected, one resident said “he has done absolutely nothing” and another added he has ignored emails concerning recent flooding.

Meanwhile, council records show that he has attended just one out of four meetings since his election, the minimum required by law before they are removed from office.

Councillor Poole declined to respond to the Advertiser’s request for a comment, but a party colleague said personal issues including a new high-pressure job and looking after his elderly mother were having an impact.

Wroughton resident Mike Bowden said: “This is not about party politics, I voted for him because I wanted to provide a bit of political balance to the village and I was delighted he won, but now I wish I hadn’t.

“Because since then he has done absolutely nothing, nothing at all, he’s turned up to one meeting that meant that he could keep his job and his allowances. I am unaware of any times he has communicated with any residents with any issues they might have.”

In recent weeks, parts of Wroughton have been hit by flooding.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said that the support from the Conservative councillors in the area, Brian Ford and David Martyn, have been “excellent”.

But, they added: “Adam Poole has failed to reply to any of my emails but just ignored them.”

Cllrs Ford and Martyn confirmed to the Adver they have received numerous complaints regarding Cllr Poole, and both state they are not aware of him raising any cases concerning residents in the local area throughout 2023.

Additionally, the Councillor Adam Poole Facebook page has had no activity since a post was made about him receiving his council laptop and phone in May 2023.

Another local, also choosing to remain anonymous, said: “I do not understand why we cannot remove him from this position of taking money without representation. Why does the council process allow this to happen and we remain powerless to act?”

The issue was raised in a post on the Wroughton Facebook page earlier this month, when one post asked Cllr Poole to reply regarding the “current issues we are having in the village”.

As of Wednesday lunchtime, 73 comments have been made, with scores of commenters raising concerns.

Cllr Poole is entitled to an allowance of £8,787 a year as a serving councillor, designed to help cover work and time invested into the community.

The councillor hit the headlines back in May last year, when a resident complained the electorate should have been told about his previous conviction for causing actual bodily harm to his mother in 1988, nearly 35 years before his election.

Responding to criticism, prominent local Liberal Democrat Stan Pajak defended Cllr Poole, citing personal difficulties.

He said: “I am afraid he is battling looking after his elderly mother after several operations, starting a high-pressure job requiring travel and life.

“I know it’s been a difficult start for Adam, but this coming year brings the consideration of the new Local Plan and not being aligned to the two major parties is a major advantage in fighting solely for the people of Wroughton.

“I sincerely hope this is matched by the improving health of his mother, himself and reduced pressures at work.”

Section 85 of The Local Government Act states that a local authority member loses office if they do not attend a meeting at least once in any six-month period unless approved by the council. 

Since being elected, Cllr Poole apologised for missing a meeting in May 2023, was absent for a meeting in July, present for one in October, and absent again in November which means that he has fulfilled his obligation to avoid Section 85 being triggered.

Councillor Poole is next due to be up for election in May 2026, when his term of office ends.