THE public are still unable to ask supplementary questions at full council meetings after concerns were raised over people 'abusing' the opportunity.

Warrington Borough Council has been under public and political pressure over the removal of the extra question since campaigner Richard Buttrey was refused an additional question at June's meeting at the Town Hall.

The issue came before the constitution sub-committee on Thursday.

It was advised to make a recommendation to full council in relation to any proposed amendments to the constitution which 'it deems necessary'.

But members voted in favour of 'revisiting' the matter 'in due course'.

Cllr Colin Froggatt said: "I can understand the reasoning for why we stopped the supplementary question because people abused it.

"It would appear to me that it is the mayor's job to control the abuse.

"They shouldn't be lengthy or inappropriate and they are advised about that."

Sub-committee chairman Cllr Chris Fitzsimmons raised the prospect of using a similar model as parish councils but admitted, due to the size of a full council meeting, it 'would be difficult to referee'.

He also believes the petitions option for residents is 'underused'.

"They are all told by officers what the procedure is and what would happen if they abuse the situation," he said.

"I think, if memory serves, Les Morgan, when he tried to cut off a member of the public, he was recorded doing so and he was abused quite disgracefully, in my view, on social media for what they said was stifling debate.

"But, in fact, what he was doing was trying to do his job.

"It is difficult to enforce.

"There could be alternatives, better choices, rather than reverting back.

"We will stay as we are and explore alternatives for public participation and, if not, possibly revert back to the status quo."

Cllr Brian Axcell also weighed in on the debate.

He said: "It seems to me that what members of the public are hoping for with their question is that it will bring to light some information, which they may already be aware of.

"They want something in the public domain.

"What invariably happens is that information does not come to light, which makes them rather frustrated.

"So, instead of asking a supplementary question to try and tease out that information, it ends up with them either trying to debate it and make a speech, or asking something totally different."