Busbridge Community Forum

Frequently asked questions

Isn't the Forum just another local police liaison panel?

No, it's much more than that. Local people decided they wanted to be able to discuss any issues and approach any authority so the Forum is entirely independent of the police neighbourhood liaison function. Meetings will sometimes discuss priorities for police work but there will be much more on the agenda.           back5

So, what is the Forum for?

It grew out of residents’ strong feeling that local government is failing to look after their interests. For many, the whole of the political and management processes seem broken beyond repair. Many feel the same can be said of other services, such as the Royal Mail.

This is not to discredit the efforts of elected local representatives but getting anything done locally seems like a maze of rules. So the Forum has been establishing collaborative links directly with the officers who are charged with delivering services.            back5

Will the Forum spend its time complaining?

Definitely not. The aim is to be constructive, to find solutions to problems when possible, sometimes to facilitate the organisation of local events and generally encourage a sense of community.            back5

Is it anything more than a 'talking shop'?

Communities need to talk and in places like ours where many residents commute outside the area there are too few opportunities for community discussion. But the Forum is more than just talk. It carries forward decisions by contacting authorities, organising events and generating ideas. It has had a number of 'win-win' successes bringing favourable publicity to authorities and Forum alike.            back5

Is the Forum run by pressure groups?

No, it is a completely new organisation without any formal connections to politics, official bodies or any other local groups. But it will collaborate where it is judged that best serves the interests of the community.            back5

Who does run the Forum?

It is run by residents. They elect a chairman and all of the effort comes from volunteers. Working groups are formed as they are needed.            back5

Does it have a budget?

Currently the answer is 'No', though the Forum gets a good deal of help in kind. For example, The Holloway Hill Sports Association has provided a meeting room in its licensed clubhouse and the Neighbourhood Specialist Police Officer helps with advice and publicity. He also attends many meetings. This web site is a volunteer effort. At some time in the future, the Forum may seek funding for specific projects but no plans exist at the moment.            back5

How often does the Forum meet?

Public meetings are held roughly four times a year See notices posted on this site and around the area for times and venues.           back5

Who can attend meetings?

Busbridge Community Forum meetings can be attended by residents of Busbridge, Holloway Hill, Crownpits and Bargate Wood (see the map for precise detail) and their elected representatives (whether residents of the area or not). Others attend by invitation. The police have a permanent invitation to meetings whenever they wish to take it up. Meetings will sometimes invite 'outsiders', for example councillors from other districts, MPs, operational staff of local authorities and others for discussion of specific topics.            back5 

What if I can't get to meetings — do I still have a voice?

There is an e-mail list which keeps up a lively on line meeting. Sign up for it here.           back5