THE RETIRING Tywyn Town Council clerk has launched a scathing attack on certain local councillors in his final meeting.
Elwyn Evans, who retires within the next few weeks after 18 years of service, criticised councillors who had accused him of “running the council illegally” in previous town meetings.
Although he did not name specific councillors during his outburst at council meeting earlier this month, Mr Evans accused certain council members of being “wet behind the ears”.
Speaking at the meeting, a furious Mr Evans said: “It is a great insult and a great dishonour to me that I have been accused of running the council illegally. It’s a great insult to me specifically, but more than that, it’s an insult to far greater men and women who have sat on this council in years gone by.”
There had been allegations that the clerk had not followed correct procedures when announcing a public meeting — a claim Mr Evans strongly refutes.
“I haven’t been here 18 years not knowing what I’m doing, I’ve been here a very long time and I have lots of experience,” he raged.
“I certainly don’t need to be told what to do by new councillors who are wet around the ears.
“As I have said previously, I have served with, I would guess, 14 or 15 chairs in my role as clerk and enjoyed a good working relationship with all of them.
“There have been good times, which I will treasure.
“There have also been not so good times, which will best be forgotten.”
Mr Evans went on to quote various legal texts summarising the role of a clerk and clearly outlined that “the clerk must be respected”.
He went on to wish his successor “the very best” and said that he looked forward to shadowing him during his last few weeks.
The new clerk, Bedwyr Gwilym, who is also a councillor on Blaenau Ffestiniog Town Council, will oversee his first council in his new role on 9 December.
Speaking at the meeting, several councillors thanked the retiring clerk for his hard work.
Chair of the town council, John Boulter, said: “We’d all like to wish Elwyn all the best and thank him for all of his efforts over the years.”
Cllr Eileen Ellis, who also served as chair of Tywyn Town Council in previous years, added: “I feel very sad that Elwyn is leaving, but I would like to welcome the new clerk and wish him luck.”