SQUABBLING town councillors were rebuked by a member of the public for their behaviour at a public meeting.

John Trevaskis told members of Whitehaven Town Council he was “ashamed” of them after heated arguments took place throughout last week’s meeting.

Councillors bickered about the minutes of the previous meeting and continued to row throughout the evening.

Mr Trevaskis, secretary of Sneckyeat allotments, pulled members up on their conduct when he spoke in the public participation section of the meeting.

He said: “I’m all for the parish council but tonight I’m a bit ashamed of you all. It’s supposed to be an open parish council. It’s the people’s parish council.

“It’s the people’s parish. I don’t want to be hearing that [arguments].”

And Charles Maudling, of the Christmas in Whitehaven committee and chair of Whitehaven and District Chamber of Trade, echoed Mr Trevaskis’ concerns, saying: “The people of this town have voted for a change.

“I would like you to all work together and work together for this town.”

Michael Guest, Whitehaven Town Council chairman, said: “We are a new town council and we are learning all the time. We’re like a family.”

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Guest said: “We have clearly identified training needs. There is a big element of inexperience. It’s a learning curve.

“There are ways of getting your point across without it generating into a personal thing.”

Heated arguments took place throughout the meeting about issues including the town’s council’s staffing committee and the organisation of the finance committee.

Coun Brian O’Kane also gave a statement about the council’s internal communications.

It follows an article published in The Whitehaven News last month reporting that Councillor O’Kane had written to colleagues revealing it was his “intention at the next council meeting (January 7) to tender my resignation”.

Coun O’Kane told last councillors last week: “I was concerned that I emailed every single councillor on my thoughts at that particular time.

“They were emailed in a confidential manner and they were leaked. That, I find intolerable.

“I’m sure everyone of you would feel the same. For that to go on bill boards and in The Whitehaven News is reprehensible.”

He has since reversed his decision and will continue to be a town councillor for the Bransty ward.

Coun O’Kane said this week: “Following the confidential email that I sent to councillors, which was leaked to the press, several councillors persuaded me to reconsider my intention.”