I think the existing members are trying to tie you with the usual "Red Tape".

Where was the original "formal letter" that got an agenda item to label Simon vexatious?

It's the usual council "lets have a rule to use if it suits us".

Everything points to them being a bunch of total incompetents desperately trying to be not found out!

[quote name='MontyPython' date='Feb 10 2014, 07:20 PM' post='91551']
I think the existing members are trying to tie you with the usual "Red Tape".

I have to agree with this. As a Councillor and Deputy Leader surely you can put forward an Agenda Item/motion to review the Council's vexatious complainant policy and any incidences when it has been applied. It seems to be far too easy for Councils and other bodies to deflect criticism and even provision of information by classifying somebody as vexatious. This problem is not peculiar to Newbury Town Council - it seems to be occurring around the country and seems completely at odds with the government's policies of transparency and accountability.

And keep it simple, to the point, and courteous.

In seriousness, is there not the wherewithal for the council film it themselves somehow?

Personally, I think user23 made a reasonable point ealier, but for people to be willing to film it, from some limited experience of it, it is a tedious job when you are not that interested in the subject matter.

There could even be some profit to be made if they market it as an aid for insomniacs.

All the meetings are discussed and any decisions are made before the public meeting anyhow and it is decided who will say what so they may just as well issue the minutes without the expense of holding the public meetings!

They need to get the acoustics and the public area in the WBC chamber sorted before they bother about filming. I have been to the odd one or two meetings. The public are sat at the side and from there cannot see who is saying what, especially those members with their backs to the public. A lot of the councillors seem to have some sort of speech impediment which prevents them talking above a whisper. The video screens and the things displayed on them are often something of a mystery and of course, the one visible to the public is on the opposite wall.

A complete waste of time attending as it is almost impossible to make out what's going on or who is speaking as you can't see their name cards and trying to work out if it is a councillor or a council officer speaking.

So early indications are that this is 'white elephant' of an idea? I think people might expect something akin to PMQs, and it is certainly not like that.

For it it be of any use, you would need a number of mics, perhaps several cameras, and a film director! It then starts to look like a tedious assignment.

Perhaps quoted minutes would be better.


What would have been a good watch was the meeting at Luker in the early naughties, chaired by Julian Swift-Hook, when they rubber stamped Sainsbury's depot at Greenham; there was some great moments there.

Julian Swift-Hook.......Great Moments? Are we talking about the NTC Leader?

Yes, except most of the best moments came from the floor!

I always manage to miss all the best moments it would seem?
Still not sure I believe there could be excitement at a Council meeting though?

Oh good We like "White Elephants" like this and the Market Square.

With WBC and NTC we shall soon be able to open a zoo or circus!

I think the right to film councillors in council meetings is an important liberty. I don't see whole council meetings making good TV, but I see the value in being able to capture the ignorant, arrogant, inane, and insane comments of our elected councillors, and then being able to post those comments on-line for the world to see.

Of those that turn up. Any way, most people vote for the party they represent, not the strength of conviction or integrity.

Dear Forum Members,

At the most recent meeting of the Policy and Resource Committee that discussed the budget setting for 2014/15 there were only three people in the public area, and two of these were Councillors.

I believe that audio and video streaming of all public meetings is essential so I am keen that the newly formed Public Engagement Working Group looks into this asap. As previously stated I will be advertising for public involvement in this working group very soon and it would be heat to have members of the Forum involved.

Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera
Newbury Town Council - Councillor for Victoria Ward & Deputy Leader

That could change if people actually saw their councillors in action.

Simon has there been any movement on this yet?

I'm keeping that on the Q.T. I'll probably mosey off for a few months in the hope, yet again, of resolving this thing.

All of these talks of "come to our meetings" yet for someone who is interested but perhaps doesn't have time to read every post in full detail, I'm non the wiser as to when these meetings are taking place, what they are, whether it's a "Q&A" type thing... apart from I think they're in the Council Building near Natwest in the Marketplace??

motormad

Meetings are advertised on the Newbury Town Council website.

You and other Forum members as well as the public are always welcome at public meetings.

Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera
Newbury Town Council - Councillor for Victoria Ward & Deputy Leader

Working group meetings are not advertised on the website - any reason why not? Especially as these are where Joe Public can have the most involvement.

Or am I just incompetent at finding them?