Welshpool Town Hall without working fire alarms for over two years

Martin Bond has taken his case against Welshpool Town Council and former clerk Robert Robinson to an employment tribunal.

The tribunal today (Monday) heard that the town centre building, which includes a market hall, did not have working fire alarms for two-and-a-half years.

Former Mayor Councillor Stephen Kaye, who was council chairman at the time, said Mr Bond’s dismissal was “nothing to do with the fire alarms”, but was a result of “upsetting all of the staff”.

Former Welshpool mayor Stephen Kaye. Pic: Mike Sheridan/County Times.MS197-2018.

The first day of the tribunal heard that on August 23 2019, around two months after Mr Bond was dismissed as Deputy Clerk, Cllr Kaye said he was “absolutely gobsmacked” after a member of staff said there were faulty alarms.

“All our chins hit the desks, and that was the first time me and the councillors knew that the town hall had no alarms. Right after the meeting I closed the building.”

The tribunal was told that councillors walked around the building with airhorns which would be used if there was any sign of fire.

Cllr Kaye added: “All we knew was that everything was up-to-date, and we left it to Robert Robinson as town clerk. We trusted him. We thought all the records were right."

WELSHPOOL, WALES - Robert Robinson receives his MBE award at a presentation ceremony at Powis Castle (Mike Sheridan/County Times).

Robert Robinson will be cross-examined and represent his side later in the week.

During cross-examination by Mr Bond, Cllr Kaye told him that: “Not once did you mention fire alarms. That was irresponsible of anybody, the safety of the general public. I am absolutely ashamed about it.”

Speaking about Mr Bond’s dismissal, Cllr Kaye added: “It was an upsetting moment for all of us because we thought you might be able to do the job but you couldn’t because you couldn't get on with the rest of the staff.”

The employment tribunal is due to take place all week and will continue Tuesday.