As with any consultation exercise the town plan throws up some difficult issues. There is no doubt that the town council does not enjoy the best of reputations, based on past problems. It also has not been very good at community engagement. Whilst communications such as the regular Community Matters are definitely improving things along with successful projects - the inappropriate location of the town council office, poor staffing structure and development support, a lack of strategic planning, and some individual councillors simply not engaging within their wards has led to a build-up of frustration on the part of residents. The town plan group needs to understand that if you give people a conduit to complain they will, and ensure that they stay relentlessly cheerful, and that comments are directed into the right piles for action. They must be working together with the town council if the plan is to be a success. External consultant support, as I've continually said, is required, both to build the questionaire, and to advise and support the team through what will continue to be a difficult community engagement process. The Plan is important as it will inform future improvements including the town centre enhancements desperately needed. I believe the team will get there, as there is much willingness to succeed.
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