Neighbourhood Management Elections
Election of Neighbourhood Management Board 2009
Background
Neighbourhood Management in Ramsey has been operational now for over a year. Its aims are:
- Narrow the gap between the areas of highest need and the district average
- Support people to get involved in the decision making process
During its first year a shadow board was set up to get things started. This group was wound up in December 2008 in readiness for the next stage of Neighbourhood Management. This is to:
- make the process more relevant to the people it seeks to serve
- increase the level of participation people take in decision making.
On 21st September 2009 people in Ramsey were able to vote in a new kind of election - to find 5 people to represent their community on the Neighbourhood Management Board.
The successful candidates are:
- Zoe Cook, 6th Form student at Abbey College who wants a better deal for young people
- Ian Curtis (Chairperson) would like to make the voice of ordinary people heard
- Abigail Ferrell, Student at Huntingdon Community College whose experience of a good family life shapes her aspirations for Ramsey (has since resigned and been replaced with Andrew Gibson - see linked documents)
- Kerry Skinner, interests include creating a healthier community environment (as since resigned and been replaced with Carol Aston - see linked documents)
- Adam Wagstaff, Chair of Back on Track Residents Group with a firm belief in improving existing facilities for our children
These elections did not replace those that are carried out within the traditional system of Parish, Town, District and County council. Instead they will compliment and strengthen those existing structures by providing additional voices to lobby for better quality of life on your behalf. The key strength here is that the Neighbourhood Management Board will operate on a very local level (Ramsey town and in some instances even just a few streets). This means they will have a much better understanding of what you and your family needs and be able to push for changes more effectively. This approach feeds directly into the other democratic processes and with support from Huntingdonshire District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council the National Health Service, Cambridge Constabulary and other smaller organisations it should be possible to make some positive changes.
What Happens Next?
New board members will join 6 existing members who consist of a district councillor, a county councillor, the local police inspector, key health service representative and a Luminus Housing representative to complete the team.
The New Board will meet on 7th October for the first time to continue the good work already started and to move it on to the next stage.
Further information will follow shortly.