Castle Bromwich Community Website

When our Parish Councils convenes...and councillors walk out during the session.....with no words to the Chairman....something is wrong.

Are we witnessing the dis intergration  of what was once a steadfast body of representation, because of a lack of respect for the Chair?

If this is true.............its time for change at Arden Hall.

But........judging by public attendence,....who even cares?

No good moaning about council tax charges, if you dont bother to find out what wrong in Castle Bromwich.

What makes you think this was a lack of respect for the Chair? Did something happen before these Councillors walked out to make you think that?

It's been some years since I attended a meeting. I stopped going because as a Member of the Public I had no idea of what was going on, it was all done on the nod just agreeing what had been decided behind the scenes. No debate, no reasoning as to why something should happen. Any questions remained unanswered.

I have never thought of the Parish Council as a steadfast body of representation. Most people in Castle Bromwich doesn't know that it exists. Those who do never have an opportunity to vote for who they want to represent them. Nobody with any sense wants to be a Parish Councillor and so the system allows the few who put themselves forward to be put in place unopposed and then appoint other people as Councillors without reference to the public to fill the gaps. Hardly democracy.

But I agree, it's our fault for not putting ourselves forward to change things. When is the next election? Maybe we should campaign to put forward some candidates who will truly represent the interests of the people of Castle Bromwich otherwise we have only ourselves to blame of we don't like what we get.

   All comments welcomed.......that is what this site is all about.

As a Community  Charge payer......just put your questions, by phone if you wish....to the Clerk to the Parish Council......Mrs Cathy Tibbets, at Arden Hall......phone number......0121.....747...6503.

Alternativly......go in person.....ask for the Clerk......sit down and have your questions answered............I do......and its very illuminating.

Then......come along to the next meeting which is the last Wednesday in the month......and that  is also to your benefit.

The more....the merrier....

The Chairman would just love to see more in the public seats......asking questions about  what he does.

Brian at 07:02AM on Apr 01, 2010

What makes you think this was a lack of respect for the Chair? Did something happen before these Councillors walked out to make you think that?

It's been some years since I attended a meeting. I stopped going because as a Member of the Public I had no idea of what was going on, it was all done on the nod just agreeing what had been decided behind the scenes. No debate, no reasoning as to why something should happen. Any questions remained unanswered.

I have never thought of the Parish Council as a steadfast body of representation. Most people in Castle Bromwich doesn't know that it exists. Those who do never have an opportunity to vote for who they want to represent them. Nobody with any sense wants to be a Parish Councillor and so the system allows the few who put themselves forward to be put in place unopposed and then appoint other people as Councillors without reference to the public to fill the gaps. Hardly democracy.

But I agree, it's our fault for not putting ourselves forward to change things. When is the next election? Maybe we should campaign to put forward some candidates who will truly represent the interests of the people of Castle Bromwich otherwise we have only ourselves to blame of we don't like what we get.

The next time the Parish Council is up for election will be May 2011. They are elected for a 4 year period.

There are 15 Vouncillor positions available. During that 4 year period it is possible that various Councillors will resign their posts. Unless an election is requested by at least 10 Parishoners within a set time period of the notice of a vacancy being posted, then the Council may fill that vacancy by co-option, which means that any eligible parishoner who wishes to serve as a Councillor for the remainder of the time left for service and has notified the clerk in writting of their desire to do so, will be invited to make a presentation to full council of their credentials and as to why they wish to become a Parish Councillor and what they can bring to the benefit of the community should they be co-opted

.

This is governed by statute law and it can not be ignored or ammended other than by an act of parliament.

Having read the Agenda for the Parish Meeting on 31st March earlier this week, the reason everybody walked out would appear to be that nobody has any confidence in the Chair. A number of letters were down to be discussed which said just that. I've just tried to provide the link to the Agenda from the Parish Council section of Arden Hall website but the Agenda has been removed.

That's open "Government" for you.

Hillwalker at 07:51AM on Apr 02, 2010

Having read the Agenda for the Parish Meeting on 31st March earlier this week, the reason everybody walked out would appear to be that nobody has any confidence in the Chair. A number of letters were down to be discussed which said just that. I've just tried to provide the link to the Agenda from the Parish Council section of Arden Hall website but the Agenda has been removed.

That's open "Government" for you.

The reason that some Councilors were upset was that their questions were not answered by the Chairman! This has become standard practice within this council by the Chairman whose supposed duty it is to ensure that all members of the Council are heard!!!! This is not democracy!!! All views should be allowed to be heard & then Councilors vote on what has been heard. Otherwise we only need a Chairman & a Clerk to run the Council.