Councilbust

By Andrew Harrison

Southend Council has launched a consultation on the way it consults with the public.

This is particularly relevant in the light of the recent furore over Southend Airport and Priory Park consultations.

The new consultation has been received by a number of pressure groups in the area such as the Saxon King in Priory Park Committee (SKIPP).

SKIPP member Mark Sharp told Councilbust.com that he believes the current consultation process to be akin to a “box ticking exercise” and that it is “cynical in every way.”

Mr Sharp also wants to see all residents in Southend being given notice of a consultation, full public records of what the public’s replies are and neutrally-worded questions.

The council is hoping to streamline the consultation process so that the amount of paperwork does not prevent members of the public becoming involved.

Leader of the council Nigel Holdcroft said: “This strategy aims to connect decision-making between the partners in Southend Together and our communities via proactive engagement.”

In order to take part in the consultation, visit either www.southendtogether.co.uk or www.southend.gov.uk. The process runs until the 7^th March.