19/07/2006 - Welwyn Hatfield Council hear Residents' Concerns

Welwyn Hatfield Council’s Councillors and Officers met residents at the first in a series of summer public consultation meetings on Monday 17 July.

The meeting, which took place in Hatfield at the Jim MacDonald Centre, focused on Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour and Environmental issues. Residents were able to voice their concerns and get involved in shaping the issues that need to be addressed in the borough over the next year.

Residents were invited to participate in focus groups which discussed issues covering street cleansing, refuse and recycling, local environment, anti-social behaviour, reducing crime and feeling safer and local planning services.

Initial feedback on the meetings will be sent to all residents who attended within the next four weeks and a summary will be posted on the council’s website.

Officers were also presented with a petition from residents of the Ellenbrook Estate to erect barriers on the Alban Way to stop motorcyclists using the pathway. This petition is now being considered by the council.

Councillor John Dean, Council Leader, said: “I thought the meeting was very encouraging. The turnout was good considering it was such a warm evening to be indoors. I hope all residents who attended will take something positive from the evening, as indeed we have.”

“We are very keen for the public to get involved. I cannot emphasise enough how important it is for us to get feedback – we only know what you want if you tell us! Welwyn Hatfield is your borough, your community – please come along to the remaining meetings and be a part of it.”

The two remaining meetings will take place on:

Tuesday 15 August, Welwyn Civic Centre, Welwyn, 7pm

This meeting will focus on Accountability

Wednesday 6 September, Woodhall Community Centre, WGC, 7pm

This meeting will focus on Housing and Community

For residents who wish to know more about the Council’s priorities they can obtain a copy of the new Corporate Plan by calling 01707 357000, by picking one up from any council reception or view it online at (www.welhat.gov.uk).

There will also be a State of Borough Debate on Thursday 21 September at 7pm in the Council Chamber at Campus West. This Debate will pull together the results from all three summer meetings and allow for an additional debate on any of the issues. All residents are invited to attend this meeting as well – more details will be circulated nearer the time.