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Brawl mars Vincent council meeting

Brawl mars Vincent Council meeting.

Police were called to a Vincent council meeting last night over a dispute relating to the city’s bike network plan.

A witness told TheWest.com.au two business owners were ejected from the chamber, a scuffle broke out and police were called.

It is understood no charges were laid.

Vincent mayor John Carey told ABC radio this morning a loss of car bays under the proposed plan may have angered local business owners. Mr Carey defended the importance of the plan, which was passed unanimously.

“We cannot just say to people ‘get on your bike’ we’ve got to… invest in basic infrastructure,” he said.

“Yes there is a cost in terms of car parking but there are bigger benefits for the economy for road congestion.”

Another witness told ABC radio he was “disgusted” by the behaviour of two individuals, one of whom verbally attacked Mr Carey.

“I was disgusted by the behaviour of the two individuals, the lack of respect of the office, the people trying to do a good job,” he said.

“We saw a brawl in council chambers and the disgusting behaviour of those two individuals — they should be ashamed of themselves.”