ESSEX County Council ought to postpone public meetings called this week to discuss Hadleigh Castle Park’s Olympic role says Castle Point MP Bob Spink.

The independent MP wants meetings to discuss using Hadleigh Castle Park for the 2012 mountain biking event, put off so more local people can get to them.

They have been called tomorrow night at Castle Point Council’s offices in Thundersley, and on Wednesday, at the Salvation Army tearooms, in Hadleigh.

Dr Spink said: “I have had no word, apart from an e-mail from a constituent who happened across the meetings. This is unacceptable and undemocratic.

“I want them re-arranged in a proper and timely manner to enable proper participation.”

Hadleigh resident David Hurrell, of Willow walk, agreed a week as insufficient notice, especially given the bad weather.

Mr Hurrell said: “It is simply not long enough for an issue of this importance. What are they trying to hide?

“They’ve also decided to hold them when the Met Office is forecasting freezing temperatures. Is this incompetent, complacent or disingenuous?”

However, local county councillor Stephen Castle, who is also responsible for Olympics planning in Essex, said Dr Spink had failed to show up for previous public discussions on the subject. He added: “As Bob has not bothered to attend any of the five consultation meetings, I am surprised he would know what any of them were about.

“We would welcome his attendance at any of the meetings.”

Both meetings start at 6.30pm and will focus on issues such as changes to the local roads and transport system to handle the 20,000 spectators expected for the event.