A SOUTH Lakeland district councillor was blasted in front of the full council for writing reports that read like MI5 memorandums.

Coun Phil Lister said Coun Bob Barker's report as portfolio holder for transportation and development was "mindless" and criticised other portfolio holders for unclear reports that made it tough for councillors to hold them to account.

Coun Lister said Coun Barker needed lessons in how to write clear notes. Coun Barker's report began: "We have begun discussions on a root and branch review of parking. In it we used the website forum, on which there were 19 messages, and some very worthwhile ideas."

Coun Lister said the report got off to a good start but it worsened, with no explanation of what those "worthwhile ideas" were.

He added: "The question is, can he improve on the form of the material he is submitting to us?' My personal favourite is point two."

He quoted from the report: "The assistant director and I visited the Parkex Exhibition in Manchester. We both agree that what we saw there gave us considerable food for thought.

"That's great!" Coun Lister said. "But what is this food for thought? I'm not being entirely fair because other portfolio holders are doing the same thing. They are not actually giving us anything to scrutinise them for."

He quoted again: "I have given evidence at the overview and scrutiny committee on decriminalised parking enforcement. Their findings will follow but I would wish to support their verbal statements on the high quality of our DPE staff."

Coun Lister said: "It's like I'm reading a memo from MI5. Please give us something to talk to you about."

Coun Barker replied: "Can I suggest Coun Lister reads more than my report. The Parkex Exhibition will feature in the root and branch review report when you get it."

He said The Westmorland Gazette was full of the phase two action plan, which was part of his report, and added: "I hope Coun Lister reads The Westmorland Gazette."

Coun Lister interrupted: "It's your job to explain it to me."

Coun Barker said: "I don't expect to have to put every word (of what was discussed in the meetings I report) on paper."

The final barb was left to Coun Lister who said to Coun Barker that "a minimum of detail would help to justify your allowance".

At that point, chairman Coun Jean Ewing intervened and the exchange was brought to a halt.