Residents react to #nimby comments by council leader towards green belt group
Barrie Grunewald - St. Helens Council leader
Residents have been reacting to the row that broke out on social media after the leader of St Helens Council described a green belt campaign group as ‘nimbys.’
The Twitter post was written at 1.40am on Wednesday, April 26, following a discussion stemming from a comment from Rainford Action Group on green belt land.
The post was in response to a photograph, posted by the group two days prior, of a farmer's field that the group say has been allocated for new homes.
Cllr Grunewald’s response stated: “As I say you are #nimbys it's ok to build just not in my back yard. Time will tell if plan is accepted or not.”
Nimbys is a term referring to a person or group which objects to the siting of something perceived as unpleasant or hazardous in their own neighbourhood.
The comment has prompted an angry response from campaigners, with some calling for him to apologise and the Rainford Action Group saying he should step down.
Twitter user stuart mchale or @uk_mchale said: “Proposing building new homes is one thing, being rude to constituents is another. You need to remember who voted you in.”
There was also a strong response on the Star's comments sections with some claiming the Twitter message was unprofessional.
However, on Facebook, Alan Laird said: “He's not wrong though. It seems like a lot of people are only opposed to most of the proposed planning within the town because it's near to where they live. They’re more than happy for it to be built as long as it’s somewhere else.”
Mark Hesketh added: “Can see both sides to be honest. Can't blame them, but ultimately, they are nimbys. People have to live somewhere and we're short of housing in this country.”
Cllr Grunewald, who has recently returned to his role following a period of illness, has stood by his remarks.
He told the Star: “People forget that as a council we have had £90m cuts.
“We must do something to bring in money. I support jobs and investment any day over nimbyism.
“What is forgotten is that it is not the council forcing people to sell.
“I don’t sit in planning so it's not my call to make, but jobs and investment must come first.”
James Wright, chair of Rainford Action Group, responded by saying: “Councillor Grunewald's comments have caused outrage and his refusal to apologise merely adds insult to injury.
"We've been contacted by hundreds of people from across St Helens who are appalled that the man in charge of St Helens Council would insult residents in such a way.
"Rather than give evidence to support his arguments, or deal with the concerns of the community, he has questioned the motives of ordinary working people who are genuinely worried about what his council is proposing.
"His late night social media slur calls into question his suitability to lead St Helens Council.
“Without a full and frank apology, we can't see how this politician can continue in his current position."
St. Helens 'Save Our Green Belt' Group outside St. Helens Town Hall on 1st March 2017