Campaigners have greater hopes for better democracy

‘It was also clearly recognised that the local press had a key role to play’

Campaigners for greater democracy in the district say the relationship between local people and the city council has taken an encouraging step forward.

It follows years of protest and anger in the council chamber from residents who claimed they were not being properly consulted or listened to.

But now, with a new city council installed, they hope for a change of approach by the decision-makers.

Last week a meeting was organised by The Canterbury Society and the Campaign for Democracy in Canterbury District, at which representatives shared ideas for greater public involvement in council decision-making

Called Where next for Local Democracy? and aimed at promoting engagement, councillors and residents packed the Friends Meeting House to debate a variety of issues.

The topics discussed included how to make the best use of the council’s area member panels and whether individual town councils for Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable would be a better way of engaging with local people.

It also debated ways to improve the council’s consultation methods and whether the speaking rights of members of the public at council meetings should be extended and made more flexible. Ideas and suggestions were written up and will be followed up by councillors and campaigners.

Democracy campaigner Sian Pettman, who won an award last year for her part in the fight to save Kingsmead Field from development, said: “One firm conclusion to emerge was the need for better communication and publicity so that the public can be made more aware of important issues in advance and can engage with their councillors outside council meetings.

“Many people advocated greater use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter, but it was also clearly recognised that the local press had a key role to play.”

Afterwards Jan Pahl, who chaired the meeting, said: ‘We are very pleased with how the meeting went. It seems like a first step on the way to a more positive relationship with councillors. Now we need to keep up the momentum.”

What do you think? Email kentishgazette@thekmgroup. co.uk or write to Gazette House, 5-8 Boorman Way, Wraik Hill, Whitstable, CT5 3SE.