Central Beds Council says:
"Let's Talk Central is a new interactive website for Central Bedfordshire residents that forms one of the objectives from the recently approved Web Development Strategy.
As this strategy takes shape, the benefits for the Council of using new media will be to enhance its communication with the public.
The site enables residents to share their thoughts with each other and us. In our first three weeks over 800 individuals have visited www.letstalkcentral.com and we have had over 100 comments on the site.
Why are we doing this?
As a local authority we have both a responsibility and a desire to actively engage with our local residents so that the Council can take policy and services decisions that are genuinely informed by public preferences and aspirations.
The web offers individuals and organisations free, quick and easy to use mechanisms to connect with lots of people, listening to their views, answering their questions and explaining the work that we are doing.
Some surprising facts:
• 70% of UK households have access to the internet
• More people are using online networks than are reading local newspapers
• Facebook has almost 24 million user accounts in the UK
• It not just for kids - the average age of Facebook users is 38 years old
Vibrant discussions concerning local issues, including the Council, are already taking place online. Residents are using online networks to talk about us, the area and community issues and we want to add our own voice to these conversations.
Residents expect us to engage with them on their terms via their channels, and to be openly available online. This is why Let’s Talk Central makes use of free online networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
What you can do?
We need your help to make Let’s Talk Central a success. There are several things you can do:
Join in the discussions on www.letstalkcentral.com or follow us on facebook or twitter (links are provided on the Let’s Talk Central site) and invite your friends and family to do the same.
• If you know of existing online groups let them know about www.letstalkcentral.com
• If you are organising community events don’t forget we can reach a wide audience quickly and free via these online tools.
• You can post video footage on the site, outlining your views on our area and your hopes for its future.
• Keep checking out the comments and feedback on Let’s Talk Central to see what residents are saying about your area.
If you would like support with any of the above or have any questions please contact Karen Aspinall, Consultation Manager on Tel. 0300 300 6286 or Alan Ferguson, Web Manager on Tel. 0300 300 6580"
Please also let me know what you think; I am your elected representative, an independent thinker who is keen to use our resources to best effect.
Janet Nunn
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment