Everyone can connect with their council (From Swindon Advertiser)
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Everyone can connect with their council
10:30pm Tuesday 14th July 2009 in News
NORTH SWINDON residents met their local councillors in a pub as part of a scheme to break the ice between politics and the people.
They also got a first look at the development plans for Mouldon Hill Country Park at the meeting, which was part of an initiative to encourage the people to say what they like and dislike about life in Swindon.
The meeting at the Tawny Owl Pub in Taw Hill was brought under Swindon council’s Connecting People Connecting Places initiative aimed at engaging communities to help make decisions.
This was the first meeting of the North cluster, which encompasses Haydon Wick, Abbey Meads, Moredon and Blunsdon.
Coun Justin Tomlinson (Abbey Meads/Cons.), chairman of the northern cluster, who came up with the informal style of Monday’s meeting, said: “We’re encouraging residents to say the good and the bad and give us suggestions to take away to improve the services.
“It’s bringing the council to the residents.”
‘Free time’ was the theme with various stalls set up to demonstrate to people the scope of activities on their doorstep and further themed events are planned for the future. The meeting proved popular with over 50 people through the doors in the first hour with stalls on offer including Swindon libraries service, Swindon Integrated Youth Support Service and Swindon and Cricklade Railway.
Rob Hopkins, 36, from Queen Elizabeth Drive, Taw Hill, had come along because he had only recently moved to the area.
“It’s good to see the community’s quite pro-active – I’m quite surprised,” he said.
“It’s quite refreshing that they are doing something like this in a pub.”
However, the principal attraction of the meeting was the chance to see detailed plans of the Mouldon Hill development and speak to landscapers working on behalf of the council.
The development has been divided three time phases, the first being to sort out the pitches already in place, the car parking and the removal of the gates blocking the entrance by December 2009.
By March 2010 the landscapers aim to have completed the footpaths around the park and do planting and, if greater funding becomes available, they hope to install a multi-use games area, visitors’ centre and play area.
Senior landscaper Chris Anniss said nearby residents’ main concern had been provision for car parking because in the current situation they said park users were parking in front of their driveways.
Sue Harris, 60, of Calder Close, Haydon Wick, had come along to find out when her husband would be able to drive through the park gates to walk their dogs.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea to have something like this for people to see what’s available,” she said. “I’m surprised that it is this busy so early, but I’m glad because it means people are interested in what’s happening in North Swindon.
“The idea is worth using around the whole of Swindon in each area.”
Comments(28)
nuddy2
says...
8:38am Wed 15 Jul 09
It is suggested above that it is about engaging communities to help make decisions, but then a bit further down Cllr. Justin Tomlinson said: “We’re encouraging residents to say the good and the bad and give us suggestions to take away to improve the services.
Well that doesn’t sound like communities making decisions to me, it sounds no different to what happens now – the Council will still make all the decisions at the end of the day.
Always Grumpy
says...
10:06am Wed 15 Jul 09
Jo-Ent
says...
10:12am Wed 15 Jul 09
Buster
says...
10:47am Wed 15 Jul 09
these 'clusters' have been set up without any discussion with the communities that have been herded into each cluster, so no connecting with the people there.
the meetings haven't been publicised and in some cases have been set up when most people will be at work. that was clearly the idea of someone who has never connected with the public.
the themes of the meetings have been decided beforehand and without any input from the public, so no connection there either.
sbc has appointed cluster leads who have, so far, failed to make any connection with the members of their cluster.
this could be a good thing, in fact it could be great, sadly it is already showing signs of being grossly mismanaged and the people that are supposed to benefit are being overlooked.
swindonistani
says...
10:47am Wed 15 Jul 09
Jo-Ent wrote:Positive side?
No great surprise that the first three comments on here are negative. Says it all about the general mind-set on here. If SBC hadn't organised this event, you'd be moaning they didn't talk to residents enough. Damned if they do and damned if they don't. Can't we look on the positive side for once?
Ok lets start: 1-Important town decisions on transport, education, security should be held publicly
2- swindon citizens should be able to initiate town referendums on important projects
3- Councillors should be picked up randomly like jurors within the general population, I am a strong believer in direct democracy
4- No member of of the SBC should be from outside the Swindon area: Swindon council jobs, for Swindon people!
do you want more positive?
Justin Tomlinson
says...
11:03am Wed 15 Jul 09
Also all the services (which included non-Council ones) put in a superb effort with their displays / stands.
Lots of lessons to still be learnt about engaging with residents, but as a start I am really chuffed.
On a final note, I am not suprised about people being cynical, it is for that reason we have to get these things right.
swindonistani
says...
11:29am Wed 15 Jul 09
Justin Tomlinson wrote:excuse me, a politician mocking its flock for being cynical LOL
From my perspective it was a huge success. Around 300 residents came along (one in, one out at one point!), which as many as I can remember at a 'Council' meeting. Everyone got a chance to engage with the key decision makers, shaping the services and facilities on offer - in particular the plans for Mouldon Hill Park will take into account all the feedback. The residents who came were really pleased to have an opportunity to engage - including saying what is good and bad. (I have had lots and lots of emails already to thank us) The fact we themed the event and held it in the community (Tawny Owl pub), rather than the 'remote' Civic Centre also was popular. Also all the services (which included non-Council ones) put in a superb effort with their displays / stands. Lots of lessons to still be learnt about engaging with residents, but as a start I am really chuffed. On a final note, I am not suprised about people being cynical, it is for that reason we have to get these things right.
Well we just learnt to be that way from you!
if you were doing what you said maybe we wouldn't be cynical!
try to think for a change....
Justin Tomlinson
says...
11:34am Wed 15 Jul 09
swindonistani
says...
11:37am Wed 15 Jul 09
Justin Tomlinson wrote:wrong again LOL
I wasn't mocking at all, infact I was saying it is because people have been made to be cynical and therefore we must do more!
people don't want you to do more!
We just want you (Politicians) to do the things you promised!
ifuwantblood
says...
12:57pm Wed 15 Jul 09
This looks like it has the makings of a worthwhile initiative. Although I have not seen or heard anything about it before (maybe needs more publicity?) its definitely a step in the right direction and I hope this idea will be developed further. Two points I would like to raise if this kind of activity is to have real value;
1. Events must be at times when working people can attend (my experience of SBC consultations is that they are held during normal working hours making it impossible for working people, ie. taxpayers, to attend.
2. The council must take the views of the residents on board AND ACT ON THEM. Unfortunately it is the experience of many that their views are ignored by the council who prefer instead to play god. Hence the degree of cynicism expressed on these forums.
Otherwise, well done and I look forward to seeing more of this kind of interaction.
@swindonistani
Thank you for your garbled and incoherent ramblings which are, as always, most amusing.
Casual Observer
says...
1:25pm Wed 15 Jul 09
"1. Events must be at times when working people can attend (my experience of SBC consultations is that they are held during normal working hours making it impossible for working people, ie. taxpayers, to attend.
2. The council must take the views of the residents on board AND ACT ON THEM. Unfortunately it is the experience of many that their views are ignored by the council who prefer instead to play god. Hence the degree of cynicism expressed on these forums."
Exactly right sir! - case in point being the resident's parking 'consultation' and subsequent torpidity from the council, other than to hike the charges exponentially.
swindonistani
says...
1:28pm Wed 15 Jul 09
ifuwantblood wrote:@ ifuwantblood:
@Justin Tomlinson This looks like it has the makings of a worthwhile initiative. Although I have not seen or heard anything about it before (maybe needs more publicity?) its definitely a step in the right direction and I hope this idea will be developed further. Two points I would like to raise if this kind of activity is to have real value; 1. Events must be at times when working people can attend (my experience of SBC consultations is that they are held during normal working hours making it impossible for working people, ie. taxpayers, to attend. 2. The council must take the views of the residents on board AND ACT ON THEM. Unfortunately it is the experience of many that their views are ignored by the council who prefer instead to play god. Hence the degree of cynicism expressed on these forums. Otherwise, well done and I look forward to seeing more of this kind of interaction. @swindonistani Thank you for your garbled and incoherent ramblings which are, as always, most amusing.
I wont take much critic from a pen pusher
but good try never mind from a pseudo politician
I wonder which side you dipping in? left? right? centre? maybe you take it from all directions
spot-wife security word ahahaha so good in your case LOL
swindonistani
says...
1:32pm Wed 15 Jul 09
Casual Observer wrote:I am very disappointed in you.
ifuwantblood: "1. Events must be at times when working people can attend (my experience of SBC consultations is that they are held during normal working hours making it impossible for working people, ie. taxpayers, to attend. 2. The council must take the views of the residents on board AND ACT ON THEM. Unfortunately it is the experience of many that their views are ignored by the council who prefer instead to play god. Hence the degree of cynicism expressed on these forums." Exactly right sir! - case in point being the resident's parking 'consultation' and subsequent torpidity from the council, other than to hike the charges exponentially.
I thought that you would see through this council scam!
The SBC and its pseudo consultation to give people the illusion that they are being consulted.
Well lets being clear: we have been consulted! we have voted you in you bunch of geriatrics!
just do the things you been voted on!
period
Casual Observer
says...
1:39pm Wed 15 Jul 09
swindonistani
says...
1:45pm Wed 15 Jul 09
Casual Observer wrote:I prefer cynical
Lunatic
RFM
says...
2:16pm Wed 15 Jul 09
swindonistani
says...
2:30pm Wed 15 Jul 09
RFM wrote:lets call an ar$e an arse LOL
I'd say ar$e!
don't go round the bushes, don't be a politician.
I like frank people.
a rare breed in this area I must say.
itsamess
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3:46pm Wed 15 Jul 09
Mr Blackwell
says...
4:04pm Wed 15 Jul 09
swindonistani wrote:Misplaced cynicism is an ugly thing, and tends to make the person expressing such views look more than a little foolish.
Casual Observer wrote: LunaticI prefer cynical
This is very obviously a step in the right direction - anything that allows people to be heard and become involved in the processes that affect their lives, and their town, has to be welcomed.
Obviously it won't mean everyone getting their view turned into actual Council policy (that would clearly be impossible), but the more people who express their views, the more Councillors know about what people want and feel about the town.
When was the last time you heard of Snelgrove or Wills do something as progressive and practical as this? Precisely... never!
swindonistani
says...
4:23pm Wed 15 Jul 09
Mr Blackwell wrote:Oh yes I am cynical and how not to be when you see all these politicrats filling their pockets and pretending to listen to their flock especially at "critical" times LOL
swindonistani wrote:Misplaced cynicism is an ugly thing, and tends to make the person expressing such views look more than a little foolish. This is very obviously a step in the right direction - anything that allows people to be heard and become involved in the processes that affect their lives, and their town, has to be welcomed. Obviously it won't mean everyone getting their view turned into actual Council policy (that would clearly be impossible), but the more people who express their views, the more Councillors know about what people want and feel about the town. When was the last time you heard of Snelgrove or Wills do something as progressive and practical as this? Precisely... never!Casual Observer wrote: LunaticI prefer cynical
Yes it is a nice initiative but this is only that a nice initiative to listen.
I am more interested in giving the citizens the power to initiate legislation and locally to start referendums and block decisions from the SBC.
If you think that democracy is to "allow people to be heard and become involved in the processes that affect their lives" then you are far away from the very essence of democracy which should be: Power from the people for the people.
We dont want to be heard we should take the decisions, all of them!!! thats democracy
you guys been used to political representation for 300 years and this has to change!
swindonborn1979
says...
4:33pm Wed 15 Jul 09
swindonistani
says...
4:44pm Wed 15 Jul 09
swindonborn1979 wrote:giving people a chance to have their say! listen to yourself....
Giving people a chance to have their say can only be a good thing. Justin Tomlinson has been a Councillor for many years and was one of the main people who was behind getting the Central Library built. It's not fair to suggest he is only doing it to look good. Does anyone remember Michael Wills being a Swindon Councillor before being our MP?
try to think the other way round, how about the SBC giving us a chance to contribute to the local budget the same way that they consult us.
Now you see my point?
They want our council tax everymonth, fair enough then everymonth we want the whole swindon population to decide by vote on swindon issues!
no vote = no contribution
how about that for a democratic system....
a chance to be heard, is this a joke? shareholders get more say in the running of a corporation than citizens in the running of their own towns...
is this really democracy?
THINK!
I do not want better representation or consultation, we need a TOTAL revamp of the running of our institutions TOP to BOTTOM
period
Robh
says...
5:07pm Wed 15 Jul 09
Don't worry though if it isn't in the plans it won't happen.
swearingran
says...
5:17pm Wed 15 Jul 09
itsamess
says...
4:27pm Thu 16 Jul 09
I Too
says...
6:25pm Thu 16 Jul 09
It would be foolish to be anything else.
Listening to people is one thing, actually taking any notice is something completely different.
Certain council policies have been wrong for decades. They have been told time and time again, via council/public meetings, letters pages, petitions etc.
The result is usually the same, "carry on regardless"
This is nothing more than a pre-election stunt.
itsamess
says...
8:22pm Thu 16 Jul 09
I am not talking about policy--i refer to complete defiance of the law to implement revenue collection. Although there are documents to prove that to be the case--in the public domain- they make it difficult to get the correct documents and produce ones that send you in the wrong directions--thats councils.
swindonistani says...
8:26am Wed 15 Jul 09
I would be great to have monthly local meetings, it would be nice to be able to suggest initiatives to improve our town and neighbourhood withour having to spend 1000s in useless enquiries.
I wish our democratic system and representation was a little more direct, an example to follow would be the Swiss Cantons: pure and simple democracy!