Published: 04/11/2009 00:00 - Updated: 11/11/2009 10:46

Question time for District Council chiefs

by DANIELLE HARRISON

ASHBOURNE people are being urged to have their say on what they get from Derbyshire Dales District Council at their very own ʻQuestion Timeʼ.

Households in the Dales pay on average 50p a day per house for a range of district council services including affordable housing; safe towns and villages; clean streets; and promoting active, healthy communities.

The district council regularly stages consultation events at which residents can express their views the next series of Area Community Forums will take place in Bakewell, Wirksworth and Wyaston this month.

Anyone who cannot attend in person, you can have your say online at the Derbyshire Dales District Council website.

“This is an opportunity for residents to ask the questions they want to be answered,” said Derbyshire Dales District Council Deputy Leader Councillor Geoff Stevens.

“We often hear lively debate on local issues on the radio, but at the Forums you can take part in the debates yourself. These events are attended not only by councillors and senior officers from Derbyshire Dales District Council, but also representatives from Derbyshire Constabulary, the Fire Service, Derbyshire County Council and the Peak Park.

“If anyone has a point to make, a suggestion to offer, or a question to ask about local services, I urge them to take advantage of this opportunity. Listening carefully to the views of local people helps us to shape the District Council’s policies and priorities.” Topics for discussion at the November Forums will include Derbyshire Dales District Council’s spending plans and priorities for the forthcoming year, and an outline of Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service’s priorities for the next three years.

The Forums will take place on: ● Monday, November 16, 7pm — Agricultural Business Centre, Bakewell ● Monday, November 23, 7pm — Waltham House / The Country Kitchen, St John Street, Wirksworth ● Monday, November 30, 7 pm — Wyaston Village Hall

For further information and to have your say, visit the Derbyshire Dales District Council website, derbysiredales.gov.uk, email communityforum@ derbyshiredales.gov.uk, or telephone 01629 761302.