Facebook site for Redditch residents (From Redditch Advertiser)

Facebook site for Redditch residents

11:10am Tuesday 9th February 2010

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A FACEBOOK site designed to give more power to the people of Redditch has been launched.

The site gives residents the chance to get their views across and say how Redditch Council should be run, as well as keeping them informed of any important decisions.

It comes as a response to fears that decisions made without public consultation such as the appointment of a joint chief executive of both Redditch and Bromsgrove councils, are damaging to the council.

Town MP Jacqui Smith said that the site, launched by the Labour party, was a way for residents to help run their own affairs.

“It was wrong for Conservative councillors to take Redditch Council into a power sharing agreement with Bromsgrove District Council in secret,” she said.

“This was a fundamental decision affecting the daily lives of people in Redditch and we should have been consulted.

“I have no objection to shared backroom services in other parts of the council though, if significant savings can be made and our frontline services and our voice protected.”

She added: “However, claims of savings need to be demonstrated to the people of Redditch and there has been no public evidence of these savings so far.

“Our Facebook site will give people the chance to comment and be consulted on issues like this.”

The site, launched earlier in the week, hopes to start discussions and reach out to people who previously wanted to get involved but didn’t have the means.

Leader of Redditch Council Carole Gandy said: “Regarding the matter of the joint chief executive, I don’t think that people could have been more involved with that decision.

“The Labour party had the chance to put this into the public arena but they didn’t. The decision has been taken now and the opportunity to do anything about it has passed.

“I don’t think people care who or what officer is running the council as long as they are doing a good job and offering a quality service.

“I don’t care who empties my bins as long as they’re emptied. What I do care about is the sovereignty of my council and that we have Redditch people serving and making decisions for Redditch people.”

To view the facebook site visit www.facebook.com and search for Redditch Council for Redditch People.

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