Town's democracy 'is facing a crisis'

The warning comes from Liberal Democrat leader Chris Shepherd, who has criticised the council's decision to suspend the town's area panels this year.

First introduced in 2001, the panels were local public meetings that allowed residents to air views and question councillors and officials.

Initially. there were six panels, and councillors were given £1,000 each to spend on projects agreed with their local communities.

But funding was phased out, the six panels reduced to four, and at a meeting of Swindon Council yesterday they were finally suspended.

The decision was opposed by the Lib Dems' seven councillors, but pushed through by Labour and the Conservatives.

Coun Shepherd (Freshbrook and Grange Park), who took over leadership of the Lib Dems earlier this month, said the panels involved people in the future of their town.

"We're going through a crisis of democracy and participation and it's sad that people aren't taking part," he said. "There is a problem with people feeling disillusioned and impotent they don't seem to be able to affect what the council does and so most people aren't getting involved in the process.

Coun Shepherd said councillors needed the community's support, and abolishing the area panels would only make things worse.

He called for the original six panels to be reinstated, and beefed up with extra powers and resources.

The Lib Dems would like to give councillors up to £10,000 each a year to spend on the area panels.

Factfile

Chris Shepherd was elected leader of the Liberal Democrats following this month's local elections.

The 41-year-old electronics engineer has been a Freshbrook and Grange Park councillor for the past two years, and lives in Freshbrook.

Coun Shepherd, who has been in Swindon for five years, was made redundant three months ago and has since been taking contracting work.

Outside politics, Coun Shepherd is a keen conservationist and is a voluntary ranger.

Andy Tate