LAST Wednesday I had set the afternoon aside to travel over to Romsey to speak to the council on their intended purchase of the magistrates’ court in Andover as I was determined to have my say.

I could not understand why on earth Test Valley Borough Council wanted to buy the magistrates’ court as they had previously dumped the bottom of the Guildhall due to it being surplus to requirement.

The local council had already set aside an eye watering £465,000 to refurbish the building and on top of that, of course, there is the purchase price.

What are they going to do with the building? Simply move Citizen’s Advice Bureau from London Street to the magistrates’ court.

But hasn’t Sir George [Young] just opened that building?

And didn’t that cost £80,000 to set up?

So you can see why I wanted to protest and try to stop the purchase in my three minute representation to the council at the start of the meeting.

However, the Mayor Jan Lovell decided that the proceedings would be held in secret and consequently I would be excluded and not allowed to speak at any point, even though the accounts show £465,000 set aside for the refurbishment.

I protested and of course this has led Jan Lovell to report me to Roy Perry, Tory leader of Hampshire County Council.

So, open, honest and transparent Government – not yet.

But when we lead the council, and mark my words we will, no items will be held in secret, however embarrassing they are.

Councillor Tony Hooke, UKIP