A Full Agenda - Have a Voice

The Civic Trust AGM was an impressive occasion mainly because of the keynote presentation by the Chairman Philip Kolvin. He outlined the successes of the Trust and did not pull any punches on the challenges the movement faces in difficult economic times.

The successes include the new Trust website (access through www.buntingfordcivic.org.uk or civictrust.org ), increased the diversity and geographical spread of Heritage Open Days, developed the new Purple Flag scheme ( a new international standard for the management of town and city centres at night ), met the Government targets for Green Flag awards and responded on a range of subjects such as the Planning White Paper, Housing Green Paper and Tree Preservation Order procedures.

The challenges are related to the contraction of sponsorship from the private sector and the urgent need to restructure the Trust to capitalise on its 700 plus societies and c.250,000 membership to have real influence at national level. The President Griff Rhys Jones has launched an appeal for funds and members would have received information on this with last month's Journal.

In support of the appeal Buntingford Civic Society donated �300 on behalf of members and Journal readers.

To return to local matters - please make a note in your diary that our AGM will be held on Wednesday, 22 April at Benson Hall. This is the opportunity for you to come forward and offer your services to the Society and the Town. The Spring will also be time to renew membership and we will be seeking permission under the terms of the Data Protection Act to hold your e-mail address in order that from time to time the Society can consult you regarding key issues impacting on Buntingford and surrounding villages. You only need to look at the East of England plan on the Go-East website to know that there are many topics on which you may wish to express an opinion.

As we go to press the severe Winter weather appears to be easing but it has certainly left its mark in damage to roads and pavements. If there is a particularly bad pothole that you know about please report it to Hertfordshire Highways at 01438 737320 / 01923 471320 also hertsdirect.org/highwayfaults and copy our Town Council.

Finally we will see Budgens in our High Street this month - we wish them every success and look forward to a positive contribution to the Town. High Street trading is so important in terms of employment and competition and sustainability of the community.

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