Abergele...Probe into 'drive-row' Conwy councillor angers charity

Jeremy Vine had a lot to say about this Councillor on his show.

Cllr Andrew Wood is cooperating with the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales (PSOW).

He said: "I replied in full with a clear and concise and robust answer."

Cllr Wood, who represents Gele ward on Conwy County Borough Council, said he would not be able to comment further with the probe ongoing.

The investigation was launched after a stream of a virtual meeting appeared to show cllr Wood raising his hand to vote while sitting in the driving seat of a car.

The trees behind cllr Wood are initially stationary but then start moving. This indicates the vehicle has started moving.

The virtual meeting was part of Conwy County Borough Council's Finance and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee on July 4.

The incident was discussed on Jeremy Vine On 5 last week.

While video footage of the online meeting was shown to viewers, Mr Vine said: "Here he is voting and you can see trees going by.

"How he denies it, I've got no idea. It is ridiculous."

The MailOnline reported that Cllr Wood denied taking part in the Zoom meeting whilst driving a vehicle.

Cllr Wood said: "I can tell you I have not done a Zoom meeting while driving a vehicle. The only time I have ever attended a meeting whilst in my vehicle would have been an audio meeting only."

A spokesperson from PSOW said: "We confirm we have an open investigation in relation to cllr Woods and cannot comment any further at this stage."

UK charity SCARD - Support and Care After Road Death and Injury, slammed cllr Wood and said "no one, whatever their social position or occupation is, should be so foolish and downright selfish as to take part in a meeting whilst driving".

Retired police officer John Scruby, Trustee of SCARD and the Campaign Against Drink Driving (CADD), told the Journal: "With regard to the ongoing investigation into councillor Wood, who apparently took part in a Zoom meeting whilst driving and was allegedly seen to take his hands from the wheel of the car whilst it was moving, we would like to share our disappointment at the complete disregard for other road users shown by councillor Wood's actions.

"It is a well-established fact that using a mobile phone at the wheel of a car drastically reduces the concentration levels of the driver, even if that call is made 'hands-free'.

"No phone call is important enough to risk the lives of other road users, and the advice is to keep incoming calls at a very minimum, explaining if necessary to the caller that you are driving.

"Outgoing calls, other than absolute emergencies, should be left until the vehicle is parked with the engine off."

SCARD was formed in the early 1980s following the death of Carole Whittingham's son; Carole is the founder of the charity.

Earlier this year, cllr Wood, the original owner of Woods Abergele, revealed he would be retiring from the North Wales dealership after four decades. The Triumph dealership, Woods Motorcycles, was purchased by Completely Motoring Group.

Completely Motorbikes - North Wales has since distanced itself from cllr Wood.

They posted on Facebook: "With reference to the controversy over cllr Wood and his recent conduct. Cllr Wood retired from the business in 2021. He has no involvement with Triumph North Wales whatsoever [sic]. All remaining signage is currently being updated.

"The business is owned by the Ayland family. Their long-term commitment to the area is further demonstrated in that they have also opened an additional site, Triumph Chester on the A494."

A spokesperson from Conwy County Borough Council said last week: "We were not made aware of this matter until we received an enquiry.

"The Monitoring Officer will consider appropriate action and also remind all Elected Members of their individual responsibility to conduct themselves in line with the requirements of the Code of Conduct and Members Protocol."

From...https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/23201168.probe-drive-row-conwy-councillor-angers-charity/