Published: Thursday, 24th September, 2009 10:02am

OPPOSITION LEADER SLAMS 'DAFT STUNT'

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THE leader of the Conservative opposition of East Renfrewshire Council has launched a scathing attack on a Barrhead councillor.

Councillor Jim Swift has hit out at Councillor Eddie Phillips over his latest 'PR stunt' aimed at getting people out of their cars.

He claims that Councillor Phillips is wasting 'tax payers money with his daft publicity stunts'.

He told the News: "It's a bit rich for Councillor Phillips to keep wasting taxpayers' money on daft stunts to try and hector people out of their cars.

"He claimed more on mileage last year than any other councillor, and by a huge margin - so this is a classic case of 'do as I say, not as I do.'

"Phillips likes to talk the talk, but he's not so keen on walking the walk - either literally or metaphorically.

"If the ongoing campaign is to have any credibility, Go Greener must go greener than Eddie Phillips."

The News reported in June how Councillor Phillips claimed back £7,151 of taxpayers money for expenses.

He topped the expenses league for the second year running and he defended his claim by saying he believes he is worth every penny.

Councillor Phillips hit back: "When Councillor Swift stops running around in a two litre car then maybe he will have the right to criticise people who drive little Corsas.

"When we have finished our campaign around the schools in East Renfrewshire we will have seen 4,000 children and teachers, what is Councillor Swift doing.

"If Councillor Swift wants to take petty pot shots in the run up to a general election then that is his choice but I am not going to get involved.

"I will just continue to try and make the world a more environmentally friendly place."

An East Renfrewshire Council spokesman added: "Every single one of us needs to do a bit more when it comes to the environment.

" Even giving the car a 'brake' one day a week can, if we all do it, make a difference.

"I'm sure residents will recognise that this is a genuine attempt to get people involved, to encourage and positively promote a serious message in an engaging way.

"Our advice to residents and businesses is why not take positive action about local environment issues and join Go Greener.

"It's a community-led environment group that brings people from all backgrounds across East Renrewshire together.

"You can sign up to help or even to just get more information direct at the website www.gogreener.org.uk.";