Council consultation hits the streets

Council employees will be visiting venues across the area gathering residents’ views on the £105.7m savings options packaged to be considered in December.

More than 280 options have been compiled by the chief executive and his management team to assist the council in reaching a savings target of £73.3m in the three financial years from 2013 to 2016.

A council spokesman said: “It is absolutely vital the people of North Lanarkshire have their say.

“Many of these options will affect the services we deliver and the way we deliver them so it is only right we consult the very people who will be affected. We want opinions and alternatives.

“No decisions will be taken before December and this is a very real opportunity to ensure community views are not only heard, but listened to.”

North Lanarkshire Council launched it public consultation, the biggest in the local authority’s 18 year history, on October 1.

It is due to run through the whole month before the results are analysed.

A report based on the consultation will be presented to councillors in mid-December.

During the next couple of weeks, every household in North Lanarkshire will receive a copy of a special 20-page booklet ‘The Way Ahead’ outlining the savings.

Residents will also be able to read the full options package online at www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/wayahead and complete an online survey.

Residents can also make their views known by calling the council contact centre Northline on 01698 403150, or return the hard copy response form contained in the booklet.

But if you want to discuss the issues that matter to you with a council employee you can to do so at the First Stop Shop and Main Street in Kilsyth on Monday, October 22.

Staff will then speak to Cumbernauld residents on Friday, October 26 in the town’s shopping centre.

The consultation hours will be from 11am to 3pm but these may be longer in certain venues.