Do your councillors listen to local residents? That is the question I am often asked, I answer that your Local Liberal Democrat councillors do. Regrettably, I am constantly being told that the Tory controlled Council and Tory cabinet do not appear to be in touch with the needs of the Town.
To date I have seen over 30 comments from concerned residents on the new children’s play area.
The main issues being raised by residents are:-
• Lack of consultation with local residents and groups.
• Concerns over location of the play area.
• Area not easy to monitor and police.
• Will become a late night magnet for drinking and antisocial problems.
There is a perception that the council don’t listen to local people! Your Liberal Democrat councillors have raised the issues of the Play area on numerous occasions and more recently at a full council meeting . The Tory majority and Tory Cabinet continue to push ahead saying the Play area is needed for the District!
The real questions remain unresolved;
• Where on the Rye do the residents of the Town want the play area ?
• Have the local residents been able to make comment and influence the decision?
This week sees the footings for the play area being laid — what message of comfort is this sending to the residents who are telling me that the council doesn’t listen to them?
It again raises the question that if we had a Town Council with local people making decisions for the residents of the Town would decisions be more widely supported?
