A TOWN council’s numbers should be cut by half to stop “bickering” and save money, according to a resident.

Harwich councillors were told on Wednesday night residents were often left “embarrassed” at meetings because of political infighting between the 16 representatives.

Betty Holbrook, of Harwich Green, said the council could cut costs in the difficult economic climate by halving the number of people who sat on it.

“People get fed up of it,” she said. “They walk out of here.

“It’s very embarrassing with the amount of bickering going on.

“Councillors are supposed to work for the community not spend all their time arguing.

“It’s better than an episode of Coronation Street.

“It’s common sense to me. Everyone has got to cut down and we have got to get rid of the debt.

“The sooner it is done the better.”

Steven Henderson, councillor, said he thought arguments would be reduced during meetings if the council was smaller.

“Many councillors don’t enjoy the thought of coming down here because of the arguments,” he said.

“I don’t think we achieve what we really are elected to do.”

But residents were told only £26 of their yearly council tax bill went to Harwich Town Council, with the majority being given to Essex County Council.

Dave McLeod, councillor, said councillors should be allowed to argue as long as they did not get physical.

“When I come here it is an opportunity to put things forward and get them recommended or supported,” he said.

“If there are political issues the public is here to listen to them and we are held accountable.

“I think we have got the right to have a heated debate.

“It gets it off our chest. We can get things as nasty as we like as long as we don’t hurt each other.

“If we don’t bring out our heated opinions we might as well give up altogether.”