Police Called to Council Meeting Disrupted By Stoney Castle Protester

Published on: 30 Jul, 2021
Updated on: 31 Jul, 2021

By Hugh Coakley

A protester was ordered to leave the full Guildford Borough Council meeting at Millmead on Wednesday after disrupting proceedings by insisting on speaking.

Daniel Hill has been campaigning about his previous conviction in connection with the unauthorised Stoney Castle waste dump at Pirbright, and his treatment by GBC and SCC. He is the son of the site owner Robin Hill, who lives in the Far East and has given his son power of attorney.

GBC has been removing articles and investigating since it took control of the site in the early hours of July 12.

Daniel Hill addressing councillors at the council meeting (July 28) after being refused permission by Mayor Marsha Moseley (behind), who chaired the meeting.

In the first physical council meeting in the chamber since the pandemic, Guildford mayor Marsha Moseley refused Mr Hill permission to speak saying: “I’m really sorry but you have to give us notice.”

Mr Hill was heard to say: “You’re not sorry,” and started to address councillors. Cllr Moseley adjourned the meeting and the webcast recording was stopped.

James Whiteman, GBC’s managing director, is reported to have called security staff who, it is understood, called the police.

A source said that Mr Hill was shouting, approaching individual councillors and was “quite agitated”.

Cllrs Catherine Young and Paul Spooner both spoke to Mr Hill and persuaded him to leave the chamber.

Daniel Hill said: “I wasn’t aware you needed to give notice to speak at the council. I didn’t want to cause a scene but everyone is ignoring my emails about what is happening at Stoney Castle.”

Cllr John Redpath

Cllr John Redpath said it brought home how vulnerable councillors could be in carrying out their duties. He said: “I think Mr Hill has lost a lot of support here by his actions today.”

Yesterday (July 29), in an email addressed to Cllr Keith Witham, who represents Pirbright at both borough and county councils, Mr Hill said: “I would like to apologise for asking my questions at last night’s council meeting without an official invitation. I now understand what I need to do and I will make sure I follow the correct process for the next meeting in September.”

and

Council Leader ‘Understands Frustration’ Over Stoney Castle Secrecy