News & Events
Community Engagement issues in Somerton and Crewkerne
SMTF has a duty to report the difficulties that sometimes occur in towns, rather than just successful projects, so that we can hopefully all learn.
So it would be wrong to ignore the community engagement issues that have arisen in Somerton and Crewkerne recently. SMTF is a keen supporter of better community engagement.
Our other members, especially those outside South Somerset, may find it interesting to read about the issues in both towns, see the links below.
I've included links to two items about Community Forums, chaired by an independent and respected local figure, which could be part of the solution to these (sadly) common issues in towns.
Somerton
Following much bitterness, mostly prompted by a residents blog, centred on a lack of transparency about plans for development and lack of community engagement, most of the Town Council resigned at the end of last year. A new Council has just been elected; we wish them all the best and look forward to working with them.
Somerton website (independent)
Crewkerne
There is a situation in Crewkerne, where many residents feel the Town Council is making a mistake by developing a Sports Pavilion much larger than its predecessor and the financial implications of this. The Town Council sees this as an important addition to the towns facilities.
SSDC District Councillors approved the planning application for the new pavilion, going against the Planning Officer's recommendation for refusal. A new group, the Friends of Henhayes, are trying to get the town's Playing Field listed as a Town Green, which may protect it from development such as the new pavilion. The Town Council has now set aside £50,000 in readiness for legal action against Town Green status.
Read both sides points of view below;
Crewkerne Town Council Stinks blog and guestbook
Better Community Engagement & Empowerment
Despite this Government's interest in Community Empowerment (White Paper 2006 but much watered down in the Local Democracy etc Bill 2009), nothing material has come forward in Somerset from Local Authorities at a town level. So here's some examples of Community Forums;
V4F\'s Innovative Public Forum shows the way ahead for SMTF member organisations
Report on visit to Devon Heartlands Community Forum
Created on January 19th 2010
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