Councillor apologises for Summerleaze comment

An apology has been issued by a councillor over a remark made during a debate about plans to move Furze Platt Senior School.

The controversial scheme between the school and Summerleaze was discussed at a Royal Borough full council meeting on Tuesday last week.

During the debate Cllr David Evans (Con, Hurley and Walthams) referred to the company, owned by Peter Prior, as 'Summersleaze'.

In a letter to Mr Prior, Cllr Evans said he was 'very sorry' for having 'mispronounced' the name, adding he was upset by his comment.

"I fully recognise the contribution that you and your company make to our community and I apologise unreservedly for any offence that may have been caused by my remarks," he said.

In an email addressed to leading councillors and sent to the Advertiser, Mr Prior labelled the comment 'disgraceful'.

"My small company has, without question, sponsored and led far more community improvements for the people of the borough where I have lived all my life, than any other," he said.

The plans involve moving the school from Furze Platt Road to Spencers Farm where 320 houses would also be built.

A further 380 homes would replace the old school buildings.

At the meeting the council agreed to consider the proposal for inclusion in the Borough Local Plan.