Spoof video mocks Lego workshop

Labour members Lee Jeavons and Matt Ward put together the four minute video in which they poked fun at a training session some councillors took part in about building better communities and released it on YouTube yesterday.

The clip sees Councillor Jeavons and cuddly toy character Teddy Bear Michael talking to young ‘viewers’ about playing with Lego before cutting to Councillor Ward outside a Lego megastore in London.

They said it was a light-hearted way of getting their message out that the authority shouldn’t be funding sessions where they play with Lego at a time when they are making severe cuts.

But Walsall Council leader Mike Bird dismissed their video as “embarrassing” for the Labour group and said they may have brought the authority into disrepute.

A row over the workshop broke out last week when Councillor Ward posted a photo of his Lego creation on social media.

He said the session was a waste of taxpayers money and taught members nothing about building stronger communities as they have been already been doing that work for years.

Councillor Bird defended the workshop and said the Lego element was simply used as a metaphor to demonstrate what they can build and achieve.

The video starts with Councillor Jeavons introducing Teddy Bear Michael who communicates by whispering in his ear similar to popular children’s TV character Sooty.

After announcing they are going to play ‘building communities’ with Lego, they look through the “Vandalised Window” – damaged as a result of police cuts – to join Councillor Ward outside the Lego store.

They conclude that the session was “baffling” and added they were sure “taxpayers expect better from councillors than playing with Lego”.

Councillor Jeavons said: “It is a more light-hearted way in getting a serious message across and something that will cut through to the public.

“We want the public to look at it and decide for themselves. Some have seen it and are buying into the message so it is having the desired effect.

“The reaction of councillors who sat through the session said it all. But we had fun making the video and perhaps I missed my calling and should have been a children’s TV presenter.”

But council leader Mike Bird said: “I have seen the video and it is that well known comedy duo Jester Jeavons and Witless Ward.

“We are professional in our approach and I’m sure people will see the stupidity of some of the Labour group.

“As far as I’m concerned it is demeaning for them. It is embarrassing – talk about bringing the council into disrepute.

“But I’m glad they feel at home in the place I said they belong – in the Kindergarten playing with toys.”