THE attendance at meetings of Abergavenny town councillors during their meetings over the last 12 months has been brought to question by a fellow councillor.

Councillor Douglas Edwards said he was interested in the actual figures following poor attendance in recent months to planning meetings.

He said at last week's meeting, "I asked the clerk to check the last 12 months and this list shows the attendance of every member.

"There are valid reasons for some councillors with a low overall attendance percentage, such as Councillor Jane Foulser, who has duties as Chairman of Monmouthshire County Council, myself, Councillor Harris and Councillor George are members of the county planning so we cannot take part in planning committee.

"Councillor Wadsworth is not often available to attend on Thursdays and Councillor Dell was not available due to a family illness. Also, Councillor Norma Watkins (pictured) was only eligible to attend one finance committee."

Councillor Paul Jordan said, Look at my figures, it's like the end of term report! I always said I can do any day but not Thursdays.

"I also have to be very careful in planning issues because of my interests with clients.

"I stay for what I can but then if I have to declare an interest I have to remove myself from the meeting."

Abergavenny's mayor, Councillor Norma Watkins said, "This was done after it appeared in the Press that planning meetings were poorly attended.

"The civil occasions are not attended well at all, by hardly anyone and it's not good. I believe when you join Abergavenny Town Council you join for good or evil.That's what is expected of you. It's part of the remit and that's that."

The councillors were listed in their attendance for monthly meetings, finance, projects and planning.

Top of the attendance register was Councillor Norma Watkins had 94 per cent and Councillor Douglas Edwards 85 per cent, with Councillor John Prosser notching up 80 per cent, Councillor James George 79 percent, Councillor Tony Potts 77 per cent, Councillor Sam Dodd 74 per cent, Councillor Marion Pearse 71 per cent, Councillor Roger Harris 70 per cent, Councillor Martin Hickman 66 per cent and Councillor Melissa Toombs 51 per cent.

At the bottom of the list was Councillor Amanda Dell who attended 43 per cent of meetings, Councillor Paul Wadsworth 41 per cent, Councillor Jane Foulser 28 percent, Councillor Paul Jordan 26 percent and Councillor James Buchanan who attended just 22 percent of meetings.