Ward walk

This is an innovative new approach to community engagement based on a model piloted in Medway, Oregon. It involves getting councillors and officers out of the Town Hall to talk to residents in their neighbourhood - in most cases within their homes, where people are most comfortable and willing to talk about their concerns and expectations.

The interviewers were made up of Tunbridge Wells Borough Councillors and officers, Kent County Councillors and representatives from Paddock Wood & Sandhurst Parish Councils. The key issues raised included refuse and recycling, youth facilities, traffic calming, community safety, parking and public transport.

Respondents in both areas were very satisfied with their local area as a place to live; nearly 90% were 'very' or 'fairly satisfied'. Nearly 75% of the people interviewed in both areas rated their area as a good place to raise children.

Benefits

• Broadens response base and widens those who have a say in local decision-making.
• Connects councillors and officers with the communities they serve, making the council less introspective. Officers were given three weeks to address concerns and answer enquiries. Multi-agency community feedback sessions were then arranged to provide info on concerns.

Find out more

More information about Ward Walks is available on the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council website.