Friday, March 10, 2006

Let the people decide in Bensham

LIBERAL Democrat campaigners in Bensham are calling on Gateshead Council to let people vote on plans to demolish 440 homes in Bensham.

Leading the call for people power is Bensham Lib Dem Action Team member Susan Craig.

"Now that proposals have been developed for demolition and new house building, it would be helpful to ask residents to make clear their views on the package of proposals," said Susan

"It would also be good practice for people to be able to respond in confidence, to minimise the opportunity for bias or external influence.

"We are therefore calling for a referendum in the affected areas."

How the Lib Dem plans will work:

All residents in the affected area will be entitled to a vote

Results to be counted and reported for predefined zones made up of several adjacent blocks grouped by the type of action proposed (eg demolition, renovation)

Where the majority of respondents in a “zone” are opposed to the proposals, there should be further consultation in that zone with a view to finding a more acceptable package of proposals.

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