Waveney District Council has chosen the Henham Steam Rally as the venue for its latest community engagement forum. On Saturday 20 September, members and officers will be on hand to talk to local people about issues such as Local Government Review.

So far, the Council has delivered six of the seven new style forums across the district - taking the event to the people that matter. For the first time since the launch of this new format, it will be using a popular local event as a location, in an effort to engage with a wider audience.

The Council’s presence at the Henham Steam Rally provides residents from the surrounding area with an opportunity to meet with local representatives, such as Councillors, Council Officers and the Police in an informal setting. Waveney District Council will be at the Henham Steam Rally on Saturday 20 September only, between the hours of 10am and 4pm.

Councillor Mike Ryland, Chair of the forum for Blything and Halesworth, suggested that a Saturday session at the event would be a great opportunity to reach a large number of people: “When we reviewed this process, it was agreed that there was a need to take a more pro-active approach to community engagement. I am really excited to be involved in the first Community Engagement Forum to be held at a big public event. Discussions about where and when to hold the next round will take place shortly and attendance at the Halesworth Christmas Street Fair is already being planned.

“We can provide advice and assistance on key issues such as Local Government Review, so I do hope that those who attend take the time to stop and talk to us. This is a great opportunity for local people to share their views and we very much want to hear them.” 

Jo McCallum, Link Officer for the Rural Forums said: “We have taken ourselves out into the community and actively engaged with residents and so far, the new format has been well received. It has been good to see all sectors of the community given an opportunity to discuss matters that are important to them. The new process has seen members of the public who may not traditionally attend a meeting held in an evening, being given a chance to share their views or concerns.”

For further information on Community Engagement Forums, please contact Stuart Halsey, Link Officer (Lowestoft) 01502 523354. Jo McCallum, Link Officer (Rural) 01502 523186.