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Councillor quits over Guyhirn sex shop decision
AN ANGRY councillor quit days after a sex shop was given licence to open in Guyhirn.
AN ANGRY councillor quit days after a sex shop was given licence to open in Guyhirn.Phil Wait resigned, claiming his objections were ignored by members of the Fenland District Council's licensing committee.
The ward councillor for Parson Drove and Wisbech St Mary had spoken for more than 10 minutes at the meeting, urging councillors to defer making a decision and to meet with the objectors.
The licence, which wasn't needed to run the sex shop as it could have opened legitimately as an unlicenced store, was granted for a year, subject to conditions.
Businessman Tony Ibrahim sparked controversy with his application for the former Little Chef premises off the A47 when it was announced in May.
Residents raised concerns about the location of the shop, and Mr Wait said he felt the site was in a prominent entrance to Fenland.
Mr Wait, who was elected as Conservative member to the Tory-controlled district council in April following a by-election, sent his letter of resignation to district council leader Geoff Harper.
Driving instructor Mr Wait said in his letter he was "still having difficulty accepting the decision of the licensing committee".
He also said he came on to the council to support the community and doesn't feel the right decision was made. His letter said he didn't want to be part of that team.
Mr Wait, who says his aim of being elected on to the district council was to represent the community and not to be a politician, said: "I was fuming and angry after the meeting.
"I don't see myself as a politician I see myself as someone who has been around, I have got views and I'm prepared to stand up and fight for people.
"I am one of 40, and I just don't feel I am going to be able to make a difference."
Solicitor Steve McGregor, who represented Mr Ibrahim, pointed out that his client had chosen to apply for a licence when he could have opened an unlicensed premises, and this way the council has more control.
Speaking about the resignation, Mr Harper said: "It is with great regret we heard about Phil Wait's resignation last week.
"We understand and sympathise with his decision to resign on a matter of principle after just six months on the council.
"However, this does mean that the Fenland tax payer will have to pick up the bill for a by-election some time in the future."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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