Put Up or Shut Up!

On 1st May 2003 you had the opportunity to become a Town Councillor, as the local elections take place on that date. Elections occur every 4 years, however in recent times councils throughout the County have struggled to find sufficient numbers people prepared to spend a little time each week working for the community. Indeed, 4 years ago in Ampthill only 11 people stood for the 12 places on the council and so an election never took place. Unfortunately, most of you did not take up the challenge, and despite 5 of the old council standing down at this election, the town was faced yet again with only 11 people standing for the 12 places on the council. Hence, no election yet again!

The Town Council is an important component of local government. It is responsible for Ampthill Park, some street lighting, Ampthill Hall/Nottingham Rooms, town centre car parking, grass cutting, the Charter/Farmers Market, allotments, the Children's Play area in the Park and the new cemetery. The Council additionally examines all Ampthill related planning applications and makes their views known to the ultimate planning authority, namely the District Council. Councillors can indeed speak at the Mid Beds development control meetings about applications affecting their area.

Anyway, I did 'Put Up' for election to the Town and District Council, & whilst I may have failed to get elected to the latter, I certainly believe that I have earned the right not to 'Shut Up'!

The following article appeared in 'Bedfordshire on Sunday' on 1st December 2002, concerning the above campaign to get local residents more involved in their community. Unfortunately the campaign did not bear fruit, but I will continue to campaign to instill more community spirit and involvement in this town, as witnessed by a further article that appeared in Beds On Sunday on 3rd May 2003 (after the local elections), which can be viewed by clicking here.

Mark Smith (Mark.A.Smith@ampthill.org.uk) 

Perhaps after reading this you may feel motivated to do something for your community! Well why not visit the Volunteering Pages?

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