Warwickshire News Mine

Stratford District is now entering its third round of Community Form meetings which have got off to a great start. The meetings give residents the opportunity to raise neighbourhood issues with County, District and Parish Councillors, local police and other local organisations.

Meetings held in the Alcester/Bidford and Wellesbourne/Kineton areas before Christmas saw a positive turnout from young people in the area, who wanted to have their say on the issues affecting them in their community. These included facilities for young people, and access to computers.

This positive representation of young people has influenced the forthcoming meetings in Stratford and Southam/Feldon, which will put young people’s issues at the heart of their discussion agenda.

At Community Forum meetings members of the public, both young and old, can make a difference to their community by having their say on the issues that matter most to them with relevant agencies and then discuss possible solutions. 

Warwickshire County Councillor Peter Fowler, Portfolio Holder for Partnerships and Localities, said: “I was delighted to hear that young people have been so well represented at some of the recent Stratford Community Forum meetings. We want to hear from all residents, regardless of age, about their local issues and concerns, and over time, find solutions where possible.”

Dates of the next Community Forum meetings:
Alcester/Bidford - Tuesday 10th February, Crawford Memorial Hall, Bidford, Surgery starts at 5 pm - Forum starts at 6 pm

Wellesbourne/Kineton - Thursday 12th February, Radway Village, Radway, Surgery starts at 6 pm - Forum starts at 7 pm

Stratford - Tuesday 17th February, Stratford High School, Surgery starts at 5 pm - Forum starts at 6 pm

Henley/Studley - Wednesday 18th February, Studley High School, Surgery starts at 6.30 pm - Forum starts at 7.30 pm

Southam/Feldon - Thursday 19th February, The Priors Hall, Priors Marston, Surgery starts at 6 pm - Forum starts at 7 pm

Stour/Shipston - Thursday 26th February, Quinton Village Hall, Lower Quinton Surgery starts at 6 pm - Forum starts at 7 pm

Les Topham, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council commented: “It is great to see our residents, especially young people, using the community forums for which they are intended – giving local people the opportunity to discuss the issues that are really important to them.  Our District Council is committed to working closely with those that live and work in the district. 

Chief Superintendent David Whitehouse, Head of Community Protection for Warwickshire said:  "Warwickshire Police are pleased to be a partner in the Community Forum process.  Safer Neighbourhoods is all about accessible local officers who are working with the community. 

"Most people won’t visit a police station to have a private informal chat about something that is causing them concern but the one to one surgery before the Community Forum gives people the chance to do exactly that - to talk about local issues with local officers. "

Link to WCC