I AM privileged to serve as a local councillor in a ward which has three local community associations, all very different but each one containing dedicated people who are elected every year at their AGM’s to work on behalf of people in their local neighbourhood.

The Coalition Group, currently running the council, has decided to set up five neighbourhood boards that will cover large areas of the borough and containing only a handful of local people; who have not been chosen by their local community, but who hopefully will be as dedicated.

The community associations across the borough all meet on a monthly basis and challenge and hold to account their local council-lors, council officers, local police etc.

More importantly, they work throughout the year raising issues, identifying problems in the area, raising funds, holding community events, running local groups, and the body the council has always consulted about developments and issues in their local area.

The Labour group are fully committed to bringing power down to local people, something we, along with our local community associa-tions and partner have been developing over the years.

We are, therefore, bitterly disappointed on behalf of all our community associations, that they were by-passed by the Coalition in developing these current proposals.

Therefore, can I take this opportunity on behalf of myself and my colleagues to say a big thank you to all those who serve not only just on community associations, but in other voluntary ways to help the people in their local community.

I can give you a commitment on behalf of the Labour Group that we will continue to work with you ensuring you do have an input into all local decision making.

We know that it is only done at a very local level, the real problems, and needs of an area are identified and it’s often through your efforts and dedication that this happens.

COUNCILLOR MAUREEN BATESON, Labour Councillor, Ewood Ward.