I’ve sat in many council meetings and had a job staying awake. However, my ears always pricked up at South Cambridgeshire Council when Deborah Roberts and Robin Page stood up because I knew I could expect a good quote.

And Coun Roberts really let rip in expressing her anger and frustrations at the escalating travellers row in Cottenham, which attracted extensive national media interest at the time.

She told a meeting that she felt the council would “never get rid of the bastards” and added: “If I had cancer, I’d strap a big bomb around myself and go in tomorrow.”

As a result, she was investigated by the Standards Board for England which concluded that  no disciplinary action was needed. But since then, contrite Cabinet members have taken part in cultural awareness training and a tour of traveller sites. They have attended two workshops on traveller issues – the last one included presentations by travellers. Coun Roberts has apologised, btw.

They have indeed eaten humble pie by the bucket load for that “heat of the moment” unwise comment, but was any similar concern shown for the terrible experiences of the law abiding Cottenham residents who lived in fear at the time?

I shall conclude by telling you this amusing “Laurel and Hardy” moment involving Coun Roberts when in  2005 the results were announced of a closely-fought leadership election. As her supporters cheered she began her acceptance speech, but just 20 words in she was interrupted by the council chairman, who told her there had been a mistake and she had lost by one vote. I bet she wished the ground could have opened up.

With Coun Roberts, you always wonder what she will say next. Do you know any colourful councillors like her?  Do you feel they should have had to attend cultural awareness training for travellers?  I wonder what councillors really think of the Standards Board.

Update: 25 January, travellers call for Coun Roberts to be sacked.