ANOTHER attempt to frustrate the controversial Bedford Square enhancement scheme failed this week.
At Tuesday's town council meeting, Roger Mathew, a major opponent of intended changes to the square, proposed council delegates should persuade their working group colleagues to withdraw support for the scheme.
The working group, which drew up the plan, comprises town councillors and representatives from local businesses and organisations.
Mr Mathew felt there were 'quiet voices' within the group who were actually opposed to the scheme.
'Our role is to focus opposition. Everybody knows the real level of support in this town for this scheme. We have to persuade the working group to support these people,' said Mr Mathew.
Councillor Marjorie Corner agreed with him.
'It is essential that our delegation has as its first commitment to say the town council opposes the scheme,' she said.
Deputy mayor Harry Smith said he felt representatives would be put in an 'impossible position', isolated within the working group.
'We are less likely to have our voice listened to if we go to every meeting reminding them we are hell bent on opposition,' said Mr Smith.
Councillor Norma Woodcock said she found the situation 'quite bizarre'.
'The one thing we must do, if we think it will be implemented, is to see it is done to the best possible effect for the people of this town. Please let us input and input positively,' she said.
Councillor Mathew's motion was defeated by seven votes to four with some abstentions.
The proposal follows a U-turn by the council before Christmas, when mayor John Wright's casting vote meant its position changed to one of opposition to the scheme after a privately-funded poll revealed the majority of respondents rejected the plans.
The changes, scheduled to begin next month, involve extending the paved area in front of the town hall, reducing traffic lanes and the loss of some parking spaces in the square.