12/02/2009

Talk of the Town - February 2009

Site1? Site4? The Education Quarter ? These are planning references for some areas to be redeveloped according to the DDC Master Plan for the regeneration of our town.

Probably, like me you wonder; “Where’s Site 3?; Which is Site 5? “

Also like most residents, I imagine, we call these sites; “Topside of the High Street”; “Opposite the Welton Road Allotments” the Old Pitch and Putt Course” “The Grammar School Playing Fields” and “The Outdoor Pool site”;! But we’re still not sure we have them spot on!

Seriously though, we identify these sites in this familiar way because they are a fundamental part of our town’s history and we treasure the associated memories.

Collective memories are an intrinsic part of a community that is settled and established.

Perhaps that’s why many Daventry residents are so concerned about the large scale changes that will happen to Daventry and are fearful for the identity of our historic market town.

The Town Council shares these concerns and is subscribing to the “Communities in Control” White Paper. Sounds a little dry but this Government initiative is crucial to how all councils must work with their communities. The primary principle is that all councils must widely consult with their communities.

The Government’s key objective is to “give real control over local decisions and services to a wider pool of active citizens”. All councils have a “duty to inform” and a “duty to promote democracy”. These are not options: they are obligations.

The people of Daventry deserve the very best in services and future developments; and are entitled to their right to be properly consulted and their voices heard.

DTC is here to “Make Your Voice Heard”. Who else is listening?

Cllr Lynne Taylor
Leader – Daventry Town Council