Last month I contacted Alderley Edge Parish Council to ask why they do not have a Public Participation item on the agendas of their monthly meetings.
At this week's Parish Council meeting, prompted by my email, councillors discussed reviewing their standing orders which currently do not allow for members of the public to speak at their meetings.
Cllr Mike Williamson, Chairman of Alderley Edge Parish Council, was unable to attend the meeting but submitted his comments in writing. He recommended that the standing orders remain unchanged, pointing out that the local government act states the public have no right to speak but councillors can let members of the public speak if they wish.
Cllr Matthew Lloyd said "I don't think there is an issue if someone comes along and speaks for five minutes on something that is not on the agenda."
Cllr Melanie Connor added "I have no problem with a ten minute slot subject to people telling us in advance and only speaking about items on the agenda. I don't think there will be a huge amount of people so I think we will be able to manage ten minutes speaking once a month."
Cllr Frank Keegan suggested "Put it on the agenda for the May meeting. I'm happy to have a ten minute slot if they tell us in advance. We've never had a situation where people have given us notice and haven't been able to come along and speak."
It was agreed that the standing orders would probably be changed and the parish councillors will agree the exact wording.
In addition to attending Alderley Edge Parish Council meetings I also attend those of Wilmslow Town Council, Prestbury Parish Council and Knutsford Town Council. The other councils all have an item on the agenda of every monthly meeting where members of the public are invited to speak.
At this point in the meeting they can ask questions or make statements on any issue affecting the community for a limited time period of ten minutes. They do not have to request permission to speak in advance and they are not restricted to only speak on matters on the agenda, they are free to speak about any local issues.
The Alderley Edge Parish Council meet once a month, with the exception of August, in the Council Chamber at the Festival Hall. The next meeting will take place on Monday 12th March, commencing at 7.30pm.
Cllr Mike Williamson commented on alderleyedge.com last month "I would encourage anyone interested in the often mundane world of Parish Council business to attend our meetings.
"Despite the claims made in this forum, the Parish Council has nothing to hide, indeed we are proud of the work we do to address issues which profoundly effect residents of the Village, and we would welcome public support and participation in what is becoming a battle, with Cheshire East, for the future wellbeing of our Village."
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