The Upper Hunter Shire Council says it’s decided to answer questions about their no-show at a recent court case after a public uproar over the issue.
Last week we asked the council several questions including why they didn’t attend Scone Local Court where Blandford man Chris Richards was challenging a $4000 fine for the alleged illegal disposal of asbestos.
They stated they wouldn’t talk about the matter in the media.
But Mayor Maurice Collison said they had a change of heart after the interest our story generated.
He said the cost to ratepayers was about the same as issuing a parking fine.
Councillor Collison said a staff member being home sick is the reason they weren’t represented in court.
“Yes there was a breakdown with calendar invites etc but it’s not the end of the world,” he said.