Community councils: consultation under way

Southwark Council is nearing the end of the latest consultation stage of the scheme and councillors say they're delighted with the response.

Deputy leader Cllr Caroline Pidgeon said: "We've been overwhelmed by the number of people who have been turning up to find out what the community councils are all about and have a say about how their particular council might be run.

"The results have been really positive and I think show just how important it is for people to have a real say about the local services that affect them. The interest we've had proves that people care about where they live and want to have an input into decisions that are being made."

Eight community councils have been created, allowing residents to join in debate and help councillors address the needs of their neighbourhoods.

Cllr Pidgeon said: "We've already had brilliant feedback. For example, Bankside residents have made it clear that planning issues must be dealt with as a priority while Nunhead has identified transport and environmental issues as most important."

After this latest round of consultation, officers will draw up formats for the councils, decide on schedules and arrange appropriate venues in time for the first sessions in April.

The community councils will look at all sorts of issues – from scrutinising a local street cleaning contract, discussing the purchase of new play equipment for a local park or providing recycling schemes.

The meeting for Bankside and the Borough was earlier in February. If you live in Grange, Riverside or South Bermondsey ward, the consultation meeting for the Bermondsey Community Council will be held on Thursday 27 February, 6.30-9pm at the Beormund Centre, 117 Abbey Street.

• Southwark Council