THE role of community forums across Thurrock was discussed at length at last night's (Tuesday, 10 November) meeting of the authority's corporate overview and scrutiny committee.

Representatives of forums in Bulphan, Chadwell St Mary and Horndon on the Hill were invited to brief councillors and they shared the conviction that there was still more to be done to get the best out of the forum network.

There was praise for officer engagement with the forums, with Kim Towlson of the Thurrock Association of Forums saying: "Natalie Smith and Lyn Gittings do incredible work but we need to overcome the barriers that are there."

That was a view echoed by Peter Saunders from Chadwell, who said: "There is a need for enhanced working with some council departments, problems can arise. We asked over a year ago for Les Billingham to come to a forum meeting and talk about Better Care Together Thurrock. For one reason or another that never unfortunately took place. Whether it ever will remains to be seen."

And Mr Saunders touched on the need for more financial support for the forums, adding: "As far as the money side is concerned, we don't wish to be seen taking more than our fair share of the council's overall budget but we do need money to cover our insurance and IT as a bare minimum.

"Sometimes it means I have had to put my hand in my pocket to cover accommodation for our meetings."

Janet McCheyne from Bulphan Village Community Forum said: "We are all working to make Thurrock a better place. I read through all the report before us and I did it quite disappointing there is no impact of decarbonisation sections to be added to all council reports!"

Chair of the committee, Cllr Oliver Gerrish said: "Officers will think about how we can improve our reporting going forwards. I hope officers will have heard the comments. We need gateways between the council and forums."

Senior officer Natalie Smith did tell the meeting: "Forums are a fundamental part of our engagement with residents. It would be great to see improvements going forward."

Committee member Cllr Gerard Rice spoke highly of the work of the Chadwell forum, saying: "Chadwell forum works very well. It is very important we keep the forums going. Chadwell Community Forum has been amazing in the battle with the Lower Thames Crossing. They have been able to tell residents what is happening."

Cllr Shane Ralph asked if there was a need to promote the forums more, saying: "Do we need to generate more interest in forum meetings. Do they give a true representation of the public? can we generate more passion in communities to join forums. It would be nice to try and get them how they were years ago."

Mr Towlson answered: "The number at meetings varies across the forums from two to three people, to 40 to 60 at others."

You can find out more about the borough's forums [L}http://www.thurrockcommunityforums.org.uk/Thurrock-CF/Default.aspx

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