Residents and other interested parties are being invited to come along to the first Community Governance Review event in Emsworth.
The first of four scheduled consultation events is taking place at Emsworth Baptist Church on Tuesday 10 February, between 3pm and 7pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to talk to officers and find out the facts about the Community Governance Review (CGR). They can also ask questions and submit their feedback.
The events form part of a Community Governance Review (CGR) which is a process Havant Borough Council must legally conduct consultations for. The CGR process will consider alternative forms of governance in Emsworth and Hayling Island. This could include the development of a Parish Council, Neighbourhood Forum or keeping with existing arrangements.
The CGRs have been triggered by the receipt of a valid petition from Hayling Island electors and an application from the Emsworth Neighbourhood Forum to conduct reviews in these areas.
Consultations are open to all residents, those who work, visit and benefit from Emsworth and Hayling Island. The findings of the first phase of consultation will be used to inform any formal recommendations being put forward for these areas which - if a suitable level of interest is reached - would then be subject to an additional round of consultation.
Councillor Philippa Gray, Cabinet Lead for Finance and Governance, said: “These reviews have been instigated by the passionate residents of Emsworth and Hayling Island who want to have a stronger local voice and ensure they are properly represented in the decisions that define their communities.
"We want to ensure that the final recommendations of this review reflect the true views and thoughts of local residents. With that in mind, I wholeheartedly encourage all those with an interest in Emsworth and Hayling Island to take part in this important consultation and to have their say.”
Residents can take part online at www.havant.gov.uk/CGR or by attending one of the following public events:
| Tuesday 10 February | 3pm to 7pm | Emsworth Baptist Church |
| Thursday 26 February | 3pm to 7pm | Hayling Island Community Centre |
| Tuesday 10 March | 3pm to 7pm | Emsworth Baptist Church |
| Thursday 12 March | 3pm to 7pm | St. Andrew’s Church, Hayling Island |
To find out more and have your say on community governance for Emsworth and Hayling Island, visit www.havant.gov.uk/CGR
This first phase of consultation closes on Monday 23 March.