'Why would anyone want to go to Holywell?' WALES 'Joke' sparks angry backlas.

Byline: By KELLY FENNA

FURY has mounted after a councillor questioned why anyone would want to visit Holywell.

Flintshire's deputy leader Tony Sharps last night said the comment was a "joke" meant to be "tongue in cheek."

But his "outburst" has sparked a backlash amongst the county's politicians.

Coun Sharpsmade the remark at a two-hour budget meeting during a row about parking charges this week.

He admitted to saying: "Why would anyone want to visit Holywell?" when a proposal to scrap parking charges but hike council tax was turned down. He then went on to say the town should perhaps have a fourth bypass, then nobody would go there.

"Holywell members were moaning about car parking charges," he told the Daily Post last night. "I said that but it was a joke and was only said tongue in cheek."

But Holywell central councillor Peter Curtis said he was "deeply offended".

"Coun Sharps' extraordinary outburst about Holywell was shocking and unprofessional," he said. "It is disgusting that a councillor, particularly onewho holds such a senior position, should criticise a town in such a way.

"I amabsolutely outraged and would never dream of saying such a thing about anywhere, not even as a joke.

"I sat there in amazement, I was completely dumbfounded.

"Even now, words fail me."

Delyn Labour AM Sandy Mewies also leapt to the town's defence and said: "For the deputy leader of Flintshire Council to say what he did about a town in his own county is potentially damaging.

"Whatever our political differences we should all be trying to do our best for Flintshire.

"Comments such as this can only have a detrimental effect."

She added: " I live near Holywell and the town hasmuch to offer.

"With the world renowned St Winefride's Well, Greenfield Valley's historic connections and so much more, Holywell attracts pilgrims and visitors in large numbers. Flintshire can be proud of Holywell."

But Coun Sharps, who represents Northop Hall, said: "SandyMewies has had asmuch to do with Holywell as I have. "She didn't even attend the meeting."

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CAPTION(S):

Flintshire deputy leader Tony Sharps says his comment on there being no reason to visit Holywell was tongue in cheek - but angry town defenders point to attractions such as the famous well (above) and Basingwerk Abbey (below