FULFORD RESIDENTS ASKED - WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY? (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

FULFORD RESIDENTS ASKED - WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY?

April 30, 2009 12:00 AM

Fulford and Heslington residents are being asked to put their views forward on what they think would improve their local community at their Ward Committee next week.

The Sustainable Communities Act allows Councils to request the transfer of powers from central government to local government, in order to implement schemes to promote and encourage a range of aims including:

· Helping Local jobs and businesses (providing funding for recovering or starting up businesses)

· Improving bus service

· Boosting Affordable housing

· Promoting Healthy local food (helping local suppliers)

· Tackling pollution and climate change

· Tackling food and fuel poverty

The Act is designed to use ideas from local residents who know best what needs to be done to improve the sustainability of their area, and use powers granted by central government (which Councils do not ordinarily have) to make these improvements.

Fulford and Heslington residents will have the chance to say what they would like to see the act used for when the Ward Committee meets on the 6th of May, from 6.45pm in Fulford Social Hall, School Lane.

Those attending will also be treated to drop in sessions from a variety of groups, such as the Energy Advice Centre and York Credit Union, as well as 'Compost - The Mini Musical' a performance by the Little Rotters and Fishergate Brownies, which received funding from the Ward Committee last year.

Last November Fulford's Liberal Democrat Councillor Keith Aspden successfully proposed the motion to full council that led to the Act being included in the Ward Committee Agenda.

Councillor Aspden said, "I am delighted that people are being given the chance to have their say on what they want to change in their local area. The Liberal Democrats want to see local individuals and organisations participating in decision-making, and for the first time, the Government will be required by law to cooperate and try to reach agreement with local people. Local knowledge and opinions will be given the importance they deserve."

Councillor Aspden said he was looking forward to hearing what local residents had to say. He said, "Over the last few weeks a number of other Ward Committees have been discussing this act and there have been some excellent ideas and contributions. I am sure that the residents of Fulford and Heslington will have plenty to say about what they would like to see change."

"Professor Colin Campbell, a local resident, will also be attending the meeting to give a talk on what a sustainable community might mean for Fulford, which I am sure will be very interesting and will help stimulate discussion."