EDITOR - It was apparent at the public meeting on June 27 that members of the community were passionate about the future of the Town Hall.
Many people spoke about the past, but not many people were given the chance to speak about what could happen in the future.
The meeting was very one sided. The treatment of my fellow Coun Fiona Martin was particularly abhorrent.
As elected repres
entatives we were openly snubbed by the chair, told to sit down and ignored.
ELDC with Horncastle Town Council has set up a Steering Group to look at the future of the Town Hall, which includes a refurbishment, and rebuild option.
At the same time positive talks have already taken place with the Town Plan Group on June 17 and the Horncastle Town Hall Working Group represented by Coun Bill Aron on June 20.
The next stage will be consultation with the public and the different groups who use the town hall and local facilities.
As elected councillors all three district councillors attended the public meeting to represent our constituencies.
At the Steering Group meetings we also attend to represent the strong views of our constituencies.
Based on this, officers at ELDC are expected to produce plans, programmes and supporting information to encourage public participation in developments in the town.
I will actively work in the council and the Steering Group to ensure officers deliver the views, expectations and aspirations of residents.
The public of Horncastle must know that we as councillors are not aware of any hidden agenda; people spoke of their fear that the site would be sold exclusively for housing.
If members or officers at ELDC suggested this then both the town council and ELDC Horncastle ward members will be 100 per cent against this.
It is important the Working Group moves forward.
East Lindsey must also communicate more openly with the public in Horncastle.
Mr Howells and members of the executive must be sure that they listen to any consultation that takes place and deliver against these criteria.
We need to build better facilities in the town that will serve our children and grandchildren.
We should respect what our parents and grandparents have done but we should not live in the past. It is time to work together for the future of our town.
Coun Steve Newton
ELDC member for Horncastle
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