Stratford District Council

Today I had time to watch and listen to Stratford District Councils online planning meeting. I have to say it was sort of an eye opener but I really do think broadcasting it was the right thing to do.

Not many of us can attend or support or object to many of the things that happen in our Local Communities simply because they previously haven't been accessible we don't know about them or it just passes us by until it affects us.

I tell a lie yes they are accessible if you can't attend you can always read ,as these things are a matter of public record. There is nothing like actually being there to support or object an application, nothing can ever replace that.

There is something near to it - being there virtually. I really think what SDC by streaming broadcasting their planning meeting was a huge step forward in people becoming accountable and responsible for their decisions, plus the General Public being given the opportunity to start to understand what actually goes on.

As some of you know one of the things that makes me happy (Happy Survey) is accountability and responsibility. SDC or the planning committee became accountable and responsible, as did our Local representatives.

I personally think every planning meeting should be broadcast.

On a footnote most of all those people attending that planning meeting may be elected representatives of a Local Community. 

The District councilor,'s may well get mileage paid. They all do it in their own time.

The Big Society already exists and the foundations are there, they always have been. From helping a neighbor, to helping a resident, to helping a Parish, to helping a District, to helping a County to helping the Country. The infrastructure is already there. Its just that not many people take any notice of it any more.

• Because they don't understand
• Because they don't care
• Because they don't think they can make a difference

What category do I fall under? 

• I do understand
• I care very much
• Lets leave it there!