7:00am Monday 26th July 2010
By James Nadal
DAVID CAMERON'S 'Big Society' plan has been championed by a councillor who says one Marlow group is already showing the way forward.
The Prime Minister outlined his vision in a speech in Liverpool last week, saying it was his 'great passion'.
The concept, to devolve more power to communities and away from Westminster, aims to enable groups to run post offices, libraries and transport services.
Wycombe District Councillor Alex Collingwood said the Big Society will help residents 'shape the future' of their area.
Cllr Collingwood, who represents the Marlow north and west ward, said: “My view is that we start with a blank sheet of paper and say what do we have to develop and then see how we develop it.”
He said the Big Society is “about how the residents can be involved in their local communities” and added: “It's hearing their views more and getting them to shape the future.”
The recently formed Riley Resident Action Group in Marlow is an example of the kind of body the Government want to help, he said.
The group came together following a Facebook campaign to protect the future of the Riley Park play area.
“They are committed to making the town a better place and they clearly want action and are not just talkers,” Cllr Collingwood said.
Cllr Collingwood said he believes local government will play a key role.
“I think the feeling is it has to happen locally and so the district council is the obvious place for it to happen.”
He dismissed claims it was simply a way to cut public sector money, as Labour have said.
The previous government had been 'blinkered' and it was important to look at alternative ways of running services, he argued.
“I think the Big Society is how to do it differently and better. The problem with the Labour government is they were bureaucratic,” he said.
During the election campaign the idea was criticised by some who said it was confusing and was not understood by the electorate.
Critics have said it is vague and have expressed doubts about whether there is enough appetite among residents and volunteer groups to take on the extra responsibility involved.
But Cllr Collingwood believes the desire does exist - “if we can tap into the things people are interested in”.
Cookham and Bisham are among pilot areas set to test out David Cameron's plans.
See related articles below.
The villages, on the Buckinghamshire border next to Marlow, fall within The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead which will spearhead the project.
The Royal Borough will be one of four 'vanguard communities' nationwide.
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