Telford & Wrekin Community Forum to launch on Thursday

Membership of the Forum is open to everyone who lives or works in Telford and Wrekin and who has an interest in helping to shape the future of the borough.

So far there has been strong interest from people wishing to attend the forum. Therefore more places have been made available and the booking of places has been extended until Tuesday 13 December to give everyone the opportunity to attend.

The Community Forum is still being held at 6pm on Thursday 15 December at Meeting Point House in Southwater Square in the town centre, but a larger room is being secured to accommodate everyone.

Rights and Fairness Telford (RAFT), in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council and a wide range of public, private and voluntary sector partners is establishing the independent Co-operative Community Forum for the people of Telford and Wrekin.

The Forum is initially being set up to provide an independent platform for residents to give their views on the work of the independent Co-operative Commission that the Council launched in September.

The discussion at this first meeting will focus around Telford & Wrekin Council’s commitment to become a Co-operative Council and the process that they are currently going through to set their future priorities.

The meeting will also provide an opportunity for community members to participate in workshops to give their thoughts and ideas on the five key areas that are being considered by the Co-operative Commission which it will make recommendations to Telford & Wrekin Council on early next year.

The Commission is made up of leaders from business, community and public organisations across the borough who are looking at five key areas in detail.

Councillor Shaun Davies, Cabinet Member for Environment, Co-operative Council & Partnerships, said: “I am delighted that this Forum is being launched.

“It is providing a vital opportunity for our own communities to help shape the future of Telford & Wrekin Council.

“The main ethos of a Co-operative Council is to engage with the local community and make the borough work for those who live and work here.

“I believe that the Co-operative Community Forum has great potential to achieve positive change and I hope residents take the chance to go along to the meeting and get actively involved.

The Chair of RAFT, Rev’d Andy Smith, said: “I believe this is an exciting initiative, with a real chance for our residents to make a difference to and have their say on the future of their borough”.

For further information about how to become a member of the Co-operative Community Forum or to register to attend the meeting on 15 December please email Rights and Fairness Telford at info@raf-t.org.uk

Alternatively please call the RAFT offices on 01952 210559 for further information and a booking form.

People can sign up to attend the Forum until Tuesday.