'Pathetic' snub for councillor
HYTHE Town Council has been branded "pathetic" as part of the growing call to award Chris Capon honorary freemanship of the town.
Since Stuart Macintyre's letter criticising the decision to give the honour to the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, rather than Councillor Capon, appeared in the April 26 Herald, he has had nearly 100 e-mails in support.
But mayor David Owen has declined to discuss the matter at the full council meeting tonight (Thursday), insisting it will be added to an agenda at "an appropriate time".
Mr Macintyre said: "Freemanship is a great honour to give, and Hythe Town Council should be looking to its own people before they look at others.
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"He's the second-longest-serving member in the history of the council – we're talking about 45 years as a councillor. He's a great public servant – David Cameron talks about the big society and Chris is what that's all about.
"A lot of the e-mails have been quite strong, basically telling the town council: get your finger out, forget your differences and honour this outstanding man."
Two councillors and a hereditary freeman were among the authors of the e-mails, some of which were "signed" from more than one person. Others described Cllr Capon as "tireless", "a jewel" and "a legend".
Mr Macintyre, a former Hythe Festival organiser, said: "He's the mayor, he's supposed to listen and speak for the people of Hythe and this is what they want.
"I think the council doesn't want to give this to him, as he's always putting Hythe before politics.
"The whole thing's pathetic,, and the more I read of these e-mails, the more I realise people know that."
One message read: "It is Hythe Town Council's duty to put political and personal reasons aside and act with justice and integrity where credit is due on this occasion."
Another added: "Chris is a remarkable man and, because he genuinely has only the interests of the people of Hythe at heart, irrespective of party politics, he has made enemies.
"These people are petty and have no time for the people of Hythe unless it serves their own interests."
Cllr Capon thanked Mr Macintyre for his campaign, adding: "It should never have come to this. The response has been overwhelming, which makes me feel very humble.
"My sincere thanks to everybody."
Hythe lost its right to appoint freemen when it lost borough status in 1974, but recent legislation allows the council to give the award to "persons of distinction who have, in the opinion of the authority, rendered eminent services to that place". Former MP Michael Howard was made an honorary freeman in 2010.
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