Call for residents to get involved in local democracy

South Norfolk Council Chairman Councillor Richard Carden has called on more of the district's residents to put their names forward to stand as candidates in next May’s local elections.

This plea comes as part of his chairman's theme for the year which is “Local Democracy”. This aims to increase public knowledge of local democracy, and most importantly, encourage greater public participation in the local democratic process.

He is concerned at what he describes as the "worrying decline" in interest in serving on local councils which he fears could damage local democracy.

At the last town and parish council elections in 2003 only 12 out of the 99 councils in South Norfolk were contested.

To support his theme, South Norfolk Council has set up a small 'development of democracy' working group. The group is working closely with the Norfolk County Association of Parish and Town Councils which has similar objectives.

Tomorrow (15 November) Cllr Carden is hosting the first of a series of receptions for town and parish council chairmen. Around 50 representatives from local councils in the Eastern area of the district are expected to attend.

The event is being held at South Norfolk Council's offices in Long Stratton starting at 7.30pm.

Two further receptions are planned, for councils from the South West area next week and the North West the week after.

Council Chairman Cllr Carden said:

"I want to recognise the important work of town and parish councils and the great contribution of the volunteers who serve on them.

"However if democracy is to be best served I would like to see more candidates standing in the local council elections next May.

"Being a local councillor can be immensely rewarding in so many ways. It puts you in a position where you can represent local residents and effect change to improve your community.

"Anyone who is concerned about the quality of life in their community should consider becoming a town or parish councillor."

He also urged local newspapers, radio and television to join the campaign, saying:

"The media have a vital part to play in their coverage of local democracy. We are calling for your support to encourage more people into public life by showing the positive side of life as a parish, town or district councillor."

Councillor Martin Wynne, who is a town councillor in Wymondham as well as serving on South Norfolk Council said:

"By becoming a councillor, individuals can make a real difference in so many ways.

"There should be no stereotypes, as councillors both male and female, of varying ages and from all walks of life bring skills and experiences to the role.

"I believe that interest, enthusiasm and commitment are the main criteria, everything else will fall into place with time, help and experience.

"Being a councillor, can on occasions be very challenging but also extremely satisfying helping the community and individuals, especially when you achieve something really positive, worthwhile and beneficial. You get a real buzz and a good feeling."

The May elections in 2007 will see elections to all 99 Town and Parish Councils in the district. When they were last contested in 2003 polls were only required for 12 of them.

For 29 councils there were just enough candidates to fill all the places but for the remaining 58 there were vacancies which had to be filled later by co-option.

Cllr Carden’s theme has as its aims:

- To increase public knowledge of, and involvement in, our local democratic systems.

- To recognise the contribution of those who, voluntarily, play their part and make the system work.

- To encourage more people to stand for election in May 2007 with a higher proportion of contested town and parish council elections.

- To improve relationships between town and parish councils (plus parish meetings) and the district council.

- To encourage town and parish councils to review their activities and where appropriate widen their activities.

- To publicise best practice and significant achievements.

- To encourage young people to involve themselves in the local democratic process.

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