General Discussion

from the Express & Echo
Monday, February 21, 2011, 11:00

Independents call

RESIDENTS of Dawlish who are unhappy with the town council's performance are being invited to fight the forthcoming elections as independents.

Meetings are planned, on Thursday, March 3, starting at 2pm, and Tuesday, March 8, starting at 7.30pm. Both events will be at the Manor House.

Residents of Dawlish who are unhappy with the performance of their Town Council are being invited to meet other local people who have banded together to fight the forthcoming elections as Independent candidates, free of party political interference.

The new group, which is called "Voices for Dawlish" is holding open meetings in March to explain their plans and to ask people what other changes they would like to see in the Town.

"Dawlish is a great town and the people living here deserve the best, but all too often the Council doesn't perform, and worst of all seems not to listen to the people it represents. We think it's time that the Council was made up of people who answer to the public, not political parties"

Two meetings are planned, and people are invited to attend whichever is most convenient for them. An afternoon meeting on Thursday 3rd March starting at 2pm or an evening meeting on Tuesday 8th March starting at 7.30pm. Both events will be held at the Manor House.

Issues that the new campaigning group are concerned about include the pressures on families with young children, the impact of spending cuts on the many voluntary groups across the town, looking after community assets such as the Lawn and play parks, improving the railway station and stopping cuts to services such as buses and recycling.

Dawlish has seen many contentious issues in recent years, such as the aborted move from the Manor House and the controversial decision of the Council to take on a £250,000 debt to buy the old Salvation Army building in Park Road. Questions are also being asked about why the Town Council needs half a million pounds per year from local taxpayers when similar councils survive on much less.

"The country is in a difficult situation, and Dawlish will soon begin to feel the effects of spending decisions elsewhere. It's even more important that the council is fighting for local people, Councillors need to listen and take the lead from local people. The public should be the Bosses of the Council"

"Dawlish will soon begin to feel the effects of spending decisions elsewhere"

Yes......I keep wondering what impact people losing their jobs in other parts of the country will have on the tourism industry down here.

Dear all - Just a thought, but if we as a group intend to stand against the present council, would it not be prudent to meet away from the Manor House. Its a bit like discussing your campaign in their living room. Plus you have the closeness of one of the first problems any new council will face and that is what to do about the town clerk. He holds the key to many of the issues discussed on here not the individual councilors

Just 'ad a thought.

Feel sure that all those Lib Dem and Conservative candidates will be in full support of the Independents trying to take control of the town council for surely "Voices for Dawlish" is but a manifestation of that coalition policy that 'call me Dave' is always banging on about.

What's it called now......er........um......er........ oh yes I remember now. I believe it's called The Big Society.

Life's full of little ironies don't you think?

Tee hee.

I for one am looking forward to seeing who the Independent candidates will be. I have my political preferences but they should be kept out of politics at such a local level and I know that some of our current councillors feel the same way - I asked them! (the same councillors told me that it's virtually impossible to get elected as just one independent and that they vote for Dawlish not party politics - I hope they meant it)

However, I don't think that any town or parish council are going to influence railtrack/network rail on their own - needs lots to join together.

Busses don't run if there is no profit in it and I won't be too chuffed if my council tax goes on propping up unprofitable bus routes.

As for the recycling - I'm assuming that's relating to Shutterton tip closure - yet more money to be found when everyone's belts are tightening.

Good luck to the Independents, I hope you get elected and I greatly look forward to the differences you'll make!

Thought The Big Society was/is supposed to sort out those things like you've mentioned above Hells Bells :)

Hello! I love the idea of Voices for Dawlish. I wish that local elections were a party political free zone. Have you been in touch with the Independent Network? We're based in London - but locally (in Exeter) we are promoting the fact that you can stand as an independent through a recruitment ad in Gumtree - http://exeter.gumtree.com/exeter/07/74557407.html

We exist to support and promote people who want to stand for local government without wanting to subscribe to a political party's policies or whip so please invite people to get in touch if they are interested in standing.

Yours,

Tamsin.

I should probably add some contact details...

secretariat@independentnetwork.org.uk

0207 609 0777

@indepnet