Asking salient questions
31th January 2008
WHETHER it’s council tax, potholes or an EU referendum this group’s members like to make themselves heard on the issues that matter to them.
Political candidates, leaders of North Somerset Council, directors of council departments and chief executives from the district’s primary care trust have all been questioned by forum members.
Forum chairman Ken Lacey said: “These sorts of people all affect our lives and normally you would not have an opportunity to meet them, let alone question them on the issues you think are important.”
A continuing campaign for the group is against council tax rates.
Mr Lacey said: “We want to get rid of this grossly unfair tax and replace it with a fairer method, which spreads local Government costs across all adults that use its services and is based on the ability to pay.
“Having the option of spreading payments over 12 months instead of 10 is also important to forum members.”
The state of the pavements around Weston and the threat of older people injuring themselves as a result of a trip or a fall have also been brought to the attention of North Somerset Council.
Another campaign, started last year, looked for the public’s opinion about whether a referendum should have been held concerning an EU constitution.
More than 2,000 yes votes were collected, with responses sent in from outside of North Somerset.
Forum members have also helped to set up other senior citizens’ groups around the South West.
Mr Lacey added: “Our strength is in our numbers and anyone who wants to join can have an influence on important issues.”
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THE FACTS:
• Name of club: Weston Senior Citizens Forum.
• Founded: 2000.
• Membership: 1,000.
• Who the club caters for: Anyone aged 50 and above who feels strongly about issues
concerning older people.
• Meeting place and time: Every month at the United Reformed Church in Waterloo Street, Weston.
• Who to contact for more details: Ken Lacey on 01934 624544 or write to him at Flat 3, 10 Clarence Grove Road, Weston, BS23 4AQ.
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