ANGRY clashes marred the relaunch of Bury's Mental Health Forum yesterday , October 14, when a row broke out over who should be its new chairman.

Officials refused to accept 500 written proxy votes calling for previous chairman Paul Reynolds not to be proposed for the same post.

These had been lodged by members of the newly-launched Bury and District Health Service User Forum.

However, they were accused of attempting to "hijack" the meeting, attended by around 40 users, carers and service providers at Bury Town Hall.

After some angry exchanges Mr Reynolds, who did not attend the meeting, was elected as chairman by 14 votes to 10.

Before this, the 500 proxy votes had been laid on the floor.

Mr Don Mills, president of the Bury and District Health Service User Forum, said: "These proxy votes have been vetted by our own solicitor and barrister.

"These state that Paul Reynolds should not be the chairman."

But Hazel Burke of Rochdale MIND, who was chairing yesterday's meeting, said: "If these people are not present, then we cannot take names from pieces of paper." Gwen Sharpe, Bury and Rochdale Health Authority's deputy director community care-mental health services, intervened as the debate became heated.

Directing her anger at Mr Mills, she said: "This is an attempt to sabotage what is a very proper meeting.

"I am not prepared to sit and watch it being hijacked and to see people become distressed."

But Mr Mills responded: "If anyone wants to scrutinise these votes, we are prepared to go to an independent scrutineer."

He has been a long-time campaigner for more user involvement and consultation in the borough's mental health services.

After the resolution to appoint Mr Reynolds as chairman was approved, Mr Mills contended: "We maintain that the vote is invalid."

Later, the meeting considered the constitution and terms of reference for the Bury Mental Health Forum.

The Forum provides an opportunity for users and carers to meet and share information.

They also have the chance to put forward their ideas about statutory agencies such as the health authority, hospital and community health services and Bury Social Services.

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