
This was the evening following on from Liz Harvey’s judicial review at Bristol High Court. Councillors and town council staff were all happy expectation leading up to the ‘Big Day’ as they called it. How auspicious that the ‘JR’ coincided with a Council meeting: wouldn’t it be marvellous to announce victory? Police were needed in case protesting members of the public disrupted the party, sorry meeting.
Late to court, the quartet of Ledbury Defenders created a fascinating sight in the smart surroundings of the Bristol Civil Justice Centre. In his trainers, Bob Barnes padded across the polished floor noiselessly, followed by lumbering 'Mucky' Martin Eager looking fresh from some gardening; Town clerk, Karen Mitchell, shone of course, all in brown. Some moments later, the Lynda ‘Your Council’ Wilcox arrived, delayed in the loo by a quick protective coat of fresh lacquer. Was it me or could you hear that perfectly coiffed bob creaking as she hastened to a far corner, trying hard not to disturb the judge who evidently hadn’t noticed her.
It was unfortunate that a late blizzard caused an adjournment of the hearing, especially after they had come all this way. It also meant the party, sorry council meeting, would also be postponed. Double drat.
Aside from the lurking Beast from the East, optimism for a Ledbury Spring among the merry band of town councillors led by Crowe and Fieldhouse, was always likely to be misplaced: judgements in judicial review are rarely determined on the day of the hearing. Unlike some Ledbury town councillors, judges tend to be cautious, preferring to weigh all the evidence before making a decision. Crowe’s bottle of cheap bubbly will have to stay on ice for a while longer.
The new date for the hearing is April 17 in Cardiff. Pob lwc Ledbury!