Have a Voice - Things are Changing ?

We have responded to an East Herts questionnaire on the way East Herts consults and engages with its residents. This is part of the 'Big Society' and 'Localism and Decentralisation' Bill going through the Commons. Please download and read our response.

Things are changing and this is a call to each and everyone ,young or old, to get involved for your future depends upon it. If you are not a member of the Civic Society join now. Member or Journal reader make your knowledge and expertise available to influence the future of your Town. Have a look at www.communities.gov.uk and you will see the proposed changes and how local engagement is critical to the process.

The January edition of LINK has on page 17 an illustration of the affordable homes on the Barratt/Riversmead development and on the back page the strap line 'improving the quality of people's lives and preserving all that is best in East Herts'. This is a serious contradiction - ask longstanding Fairfield residents if they agree that an overwhelming 49 dwelling block has improved the quality of their lives.

We need affordable housing but in rural area it must be integrated with other housing. This recognised benefit was totally ignored in the planning process in spite of sound evidence. A Civic Society Member has done an excellent financial analysis on the Riversmead block and suggests the it is not necessarily affordable; indeed homeseekers could do better renting within Buntingford.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening at the recent Freman College prize giving. The Civic Society with Freman College are introducing an award for 'Outstanding contribution to the Community'. Many students do a great deal in the community but some are quite exceptional in what they achieve and we look forward to acknowledging them over the years.

Derek K Cooper, Chairman.

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