‘Residents want a stronger voice’ as Birstall Neighbourhood Forum shapes up
Birstall wants more say in its future as the new neighbourhood forum reaches a significant milestone.
In November, Birstall and Birkenshaw ward councillors Josh Sheard, Liz Smaje and Mark Thompson, launched the Birstall Neighbourhood Forum in a bid to give residents more say over what happens in the area and where development takes place.
A minimum of 21 people were needed to create the forum’s constitution and define the area.
The community has demonstrated a strong interest, with more than 60 people now members.
The group has held a second meeting where members formally approved the forum’s constitution, agreed the neighbourhood boundary, and appointed the chair, deputy chair, secretary and clerk.
Councillor Sheard said this marked a “significant milestone”, with the forum now preparing to submit these documents to the council.
He said: “The level of engagement we’ve seen so far clearly shows that people in Birstall want a stronger voice in shaping the future of their community.
"The neighbourhood forum will provide a formal, inclusive platform for residents to influence planning and local decision-making in a meaningful way.
“As councillors for Birstall and Birkenshaw I, Coun Smaje and Coun Thompson, want to thank everyone who has taken the time to get involved so far.
"This is a great example of local people coming together to take an active role in their area, and I look forward to seeing the forum continue to grow and develop in the months ahead.”
The forum will create a neighbourhood plan setting out priorities and rules for the use and development of land in Birstall.