Ms Gardner told council chairman Andrew Noone and deputy chairman Michael Laws at a recent meeting she felt that she was ‘‘banging on about it’’ but the mask use of councillors had not been adequate, and she needed councillors to co-operate.
It was important for the council to obey government rules, and as leaders they should do so.
Mask use among councillors had been very patchy, she was recorded in the meeting minutes as having said.
‘‘Staff have an expectation that we will keep them safe, and if we are not wearing our masks as we should, then we’re not really demonstrating that we are concerned about their welfare or each other’s, so can I just ask that we be diligent about it,’’ she said.
‘‘We need you to use your masks between the chamber and the councillors’ lounge as it is public space.
‘‘We need you to use your masks when you go to the toilet as it is a public space, and we need you to use your masks coming into the building until you get into the chamber, and wearing your masks when leaving the chamber until you get out of the building.’’
Mr Noone said he would send councillors a reminder.
