Let's Talk meetings prove popular with residents

Almost 1,500 Shropshire residents attended the 27 annual ‘Let’s Talk’ meetings held across the county last autumn, to question local councillors about issues affecting their area, Shropshire County Councillors will hear this week.

A report to Shropshire County Council’s Corporate Support Services Scrutiny Panel yesterday (Tuesday 19 February) - which will also be presented to the full county council at its meeting on Friday (22 February) - shows that the most common issues raised at the meetings in 2007 were: parking (raised at 15 of the meetings); speeding and speed limits (raised at 12); public transport (12); litter (12); and anti-social behaviour (10).

The issues raised least were: crime (raised at only 1 meeting); homelessness (1), recycling (2) and drugs (2).

Let’s Talk meetings have been held every year for the past six years, and enable councillors from the county council and from local district, borough, parish and town councils to hear about the issues and concerns affecting local people. The points raised at the meetings help to shape planning at the councils.

The report also summarises feedback received from those attending the meetings, and identifies possible areas for improvement when the meetings are held again later this year.

Councillor Phil Box, Chairman of Shropshire County Council’s Corporate Support Services Scrutiny Panel, said: “The report shows that the Let’s Talk meetings continue to be well regarded and well attended, and shows that areas for improvement identified after the 2006 meetings have – in most cases – been put into practice and been well received. However, it also shows areas in which improvements can still be made, so that we can ensure this year’s round of meetings continues to meet people’s needs.”

Councillor Mike Owen, Cabinet member for community well-being said: “I am delighted that the annual Let’s Talk meetings are continuing to prove popular with local residents. As councillors they provide an excellent opportunity to hear at first-hand about the issues of concern to the residents that we represent.”

A further series of 27 “Let’s Talk” meetings are due to be held across Shropshire in September and October 2008. Details will be announced nearer the time.

20 February 2008