Bruce Whitehead: Comments welcome… but don’t rock the boat

The LibDems’ website says “every citizen is empowered to make their voice heard... so that those in power cannot abuse their positions” and that they seek “a plurality of views, where no individual or organisation is deterred from speaking truth to power”.

Bruce Whitehead

But only weeks ago Edinburgh west LibDem councillors posted on social media about the roadworks in Davidson’s Mains with the disclaimer: “commenting is limited by Cllr Kevin Lang”.

I messaged Cllr Lang asking why I was barred from the discussion. I was told the post “wasn’t about Queensferry”. But it shouldn't matter whereabouts the post referred to; I am their constituent and cycle the route regularly.

I was though, able to comment on another LibDem post about the removal of school buses at my son’s school. My comment was extra friendly and constructive, as I assumed the team had lifted their ban! But when I attempted to rejoin the thread... I’d been blocked – AGAIN!

I complained to “The Boss”, LibDem MP Christine Jardine, who replied cordially, and soon Cllr Lang sheepishly emailed, explaining that access had been restricted for some people “because of their previous online behaviours (sic)”, before lecturing me about “safe and tolerant space” online.

Perhaps he was referring to my Evening News articles about his surprise intervention that effectively snookered a 700-signature petition to close the Hawes carpark overnight to deter drag racers. Doesn’t really fit with the party’s claim that it seeks “a plurality of views”, does it?

This Monday evening at 7.30pm the community council’s AGM is at the Council Registry Office basement on Queensferry High Street. All of our councillors are supposed to attend, but I’m told they’ve not been attending for months, in the huff after a stooshie when the QDCC opposed the carpark plan. Let’s see who turns up!