EXCLUSIVE: Deputy Mayor of Slough in 'bullying' row
John Dickens • Published 20 Aug 2012 07:30
3 Comments
THE Deputy Mayor of Slough has denied allegations he 'abused his position' to get 'better treatment' for his wife at a gym by threatening a staff member.
Councillor Balvinder Bains visited Montem Leisure Centre, Slough, in May - two days before the official mayor-making ceremony - after his wife, a member at the gym, had a disagreement with a worker over the use of equipment.
Cllr Bains allegedly stormed into the gym, in Montem Lane, the next day and harassed the worker - saying he would 'make her life difficult' - before police were called.
The Deputy Mayor is also accused of using his position to intimidate the staff member, which he denies. The council is now investigating after a complaint was lodged.
Cllr Wayne Strutton, who made the complaint, said in his letter: "Cllr Bains declared that he was Deputy Mayor during the incident. The very fact that the police were called to intervene is an embarrassment to the council. Staff should not expect to be bullied or harassed by Slough Borough Council members."
He said the deputy mayor was later banned from the site, however Cllr Bains said he has not been told of any ban. Slough Community Leisure, who run the gym, refused to comment.
Cllr Strutton added: "I would suggest that Cllr Bains, as a representative of the council, has not only disgraced himself, but also the council and the mayor's office."
He added the staff member was 'too scared' to complain and demanded the incident is investigated by the standards committee.
Police confirmed officers attended a 'disagreement', but said no offences were disclosed and it was not a police matter. Cllr Bains said he spoke to the worker in a corridor and denied being aggressive and he did not mention his position. He said he was unaware police were called until they visited his home days later.
The deputy mayor said: "This issue was referred to the police a number of months ago, and they are satisfied there was no case to answer.
"In my eyes, the issue was therefore resolved and no further comments have been received from the staff at Montem, suggesting all parties were satisfied with the outcome.
"I always endeavour to be polite and courteous in my dealings with others, and I am sorry if the staff at Montem did not feel this was the case on this occasion."
However Cllr Strutton added: "Behaviour like this cannot be brushed under the carpet."
This article appeared in Slough Observer 20 Aug 12
Have your say. Post a comment on this article.
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JUDGE1066
277 posts
Aug 20, 10:46
Report comment -
Lol251
1 post
Aug 21, 11:59
Report commentHe should not be allowed to continue in this high profile role. What impression does this give to youngsters and also about the town he is representing. I certainly am not happy for him to be representing me and my town!! If he gets away with this others will follow suit. Slough needs law abiding, honest citizens representing it and its people.
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Yes 14
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Ramsayconnor
1 post
Aug 22, 10:32
Report commentThis is embarrassing as a Slough resident. This sort of behaviour just goes to show how out of touch the council is to local needs. Threatening behaviour is not acceptable in general life and is disgraceful when it comes from people who seek higher power. The deputy mayor in indicating that he was the deputy mayor to the gym staff just shows how he abused his position. What was he going to do ? Stop the gym staff member from having their bin collection removed ?? This is appalling behaviour.
Recommend? Yes 14
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