Would you be willing to host one of my House Meetings? The photographs here will give you an idea of what happens – the gatherings are very informal, the size of the room is not important and people are happy to stand if necessary. I don’t want to put hosts to any inconvenience, so I will bring coffee and biscuits and even mugs if you wish.
Importantly, the meetings are for everyone regardless of political allegiance. When a host agrees a date and time (usually early evening), I and my team distribute letters to your near-neighbours inviting them to come and meet me and put their questions, concerns and ideas directly to me. Because they are all very local, there is a lot of common ground on issues like potholes, refuse collections, uneven pavements, traffic calming measures, etc., and this gives me the opportunity to raise them at the highest level with the Council. National concerns are also always discussed and my views sought.
We take notes of the discussion, and after the meeting we send a letter to everyone invited, irrespective of whether they came, so that everyone has a summary of what was said. We also report back on any matters that I take up. The programme has proved very successful – so much so that many previous hosts volunteered to do a second meeting! If you are interested, please email your name, address and contact number to mail@conorburns.com under the heading “House Meeting” and I or a member of my team will get in touch with you directly to talk it though and look at dates.