Shropshire Star

Annual town meeting date revealed

The future of CCTV in Bridgnorth could be a talking point in the town's annual meeting.

Published

Residents are being urged to go along to this year's meeting and get more involved in the life of the town.

In recent years and in common with areas across the country, the annual town meeting has not attracted the number of people that use to crowd into such events in the past.

Although organised by the town council, the meeting is not a council one and is a chance for members of the public to put forward their thoughts and ideas about Bridgnorth.

This year's event will be held in the Low Town Community Hall on April 25 at 7pm.

At Tuesday's town council meeting, councillors discussed ways that the public could be encouraged to go along.

Mayor, Councillor Ron Whittle, said it would be a chance to find out people's view on the big issues facing the town.

"Recently we lost £25,000 of funding from West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner for the CCTV," he said.

"As a town council we now have to decide what we do about CCTV. It would be good to hear from residents about their views on CCTV and how the town council should spent its money."

Finding a guest speaker for the meeting was suggested by Councillor David Cooper.

"In the past we have had a guest speak at the town meeting. If we can procure a speak of interest who could speak on a controversial issue this could encourage people to come along.

"For instance we could have someone to speak about the continuing concerns over health issues or about the recent, anti-social behaviour in the town."

Councillor Edward Marshall said that numbers attending the annual town meeting had dropped over the years.

"Years ago we would have huge numbers attending and putting forward resolutions. What we much do is ensure that those who do come along to the meeting can be assured that what they say will be taken into consideration.."

There were also suggestions that local organisations should be invited to go along, speak about their projects and have a display of their work.

Councillor Sarah Stevens said a couple of years ago there had been interesting talks from the Food Bank and Soup Kitchen and suggested they be invited to return to give an update on their work. She also said refreshments could help encourage people to attend.