Local newspapers can provide a lively forum for residents to express their views and contribute to local democracy. Unfortunately the Kilburn Times with its diminishing number of pages carries only two or three letters a week, in stark contrast to the Camden New Journal that has 4 or 5 pages of letters.
Brent has at least as many local issues as Camden so I will be welcoming Letters to the Editor from residents who would like to air their views.
In a mainly one party borough we need to increase the number and variety of voices. I recognise that WM can in no way replace a good local newspaper letters page but perhaps, in a very modest way, can contribute to a livelier public discourse.
Letters will reflect the writer's view and not that of Wembley Matters and should be accompanied by the name of the writer which they can withold if they wish. I will reserve the right to edit as appropriate and recommend a word limit of 1,000 words but shorter will be appreciated.
Send letters to wembleymatters@virginmedia.com
Dear Martin,
ReplyDeleteThis is a most welcome and laudable initiative.
It does however, beg the question of why Brent Council hasn't pursued making such a similar public platform available to facilitate, and increase, resident participation, and engagement.
Best wishes,
Nan.
Interesting article and video here: https://www.pitchcare.com/news-media/3g-pitches-is-the-uk-sleepwalking-into-a-public-health-crisis.html
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteFor example regarding Brent flooding issues raised by Wembley Matters...
Under Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 Brent Lead Local Flood Authority is finally (5 months later than City of Westminster) to investigate the July 2021 floods (major incident/evacuations). Westminster interim S19 report (September) already concludes that an upstream catchment area investigation is required.
This S19 will be a Brent first and at least start to make its declared climate and ecological emergency- for real. So, your WM letters can get Brent to engage with local crisis issues and who knows maybe even equitably engage with local people again sometime soon?