ANNUAL TOWN MEETING

Parts of England with parish or town councils hold a meeting at least once a year to give electors the opportunity to raise issues of importance to them, to discuss these issues and vote on them without the need for politicians.  In other words, people can decide for themselves. The Annual Town Meeting is not a council meeting.  It is a meeting of the town electors and it is an opportunity for the electors to direct the work of the Town Council for the next 12 months.

This year the Annual Town Meeting for Hebden Royd Town Council, the meeting for electors, will be held on 8th May 2013 at Waterfront Hall in the Town Hall, Hebden Bridge at 7:30 pm.

The Agenda consists of;

  1. Apologies for absence
  2. Notice of Meeting
  3. Minutes of Annual Town Meeting – 9th May 2012
  4. Statement of Accounts of the Hebden Royd Town Council for the year ended 31st March 2013
  5. Any other Town Business, whether raised by an elector or otherwise.

The first four items are normally disposed of quite quickly but Item 5 can be anything that an elector wishes to discuss and the issue can be voted on, not just by councillors but by any elector of Hebden Royd.  The subject can be anything an elector wishes to raise because they feel it is important.

Examples of topic could be the provision of allotments, traffic & parking, local parks and facilities, or planning issues. 

Clerk to Hebden Royd Town Council, Jason Boom said, “I find it quite curious that people will spend time writing to newspapers and websites to discuss matters which affect them, often critical of politicians and the decisions they make, but are absent when presented with an opportunity to actually do something”.

In previous year HRTC has been disappointed with attendance, many have said that the meeting is not convenient to attend. Consequently, for those unable to attend we would ask that they contact the Town Clerk with their comments and these will be presented at the meeting. All that we ask is that you submit your comments with your name and address so that we can in the first case reply and in the second ensure that you are a member of the electorate.

The Town Clerk can be contacted on 01422 842181 or via email at info@hebdenroyd.org.uk

Photos from Hebden Royd