Cutting straight to the heart of Pebsham

Finding out what concerns residents in his ward is what matters to Pebsham councillor Charlie Clark.

This is the fourth time he has compiled, printed, delivered, and collected questionnaires and for him the exercise is invaluable.

“I am very grateful that the residents continue to participate and give the information I require,” he said.

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“I set out the questionnaire based on issues important to the people in my area. I make it very personal to them.

“The more you impact with residents, the more you can connect with their issues and have something to work on.

“Consult, listen and act - that’s all you have to do.”

Of the 1,442 surveys he delivers to homes around Pebsham Cllr Clark had 639 returned which he believes gives him a strong base to work from.

Cllr Clark commented: “You can’t go to the local council and speak out unless you have got evidence. For instance, when I asked are you happy with the council’s refuse collection service 70 per cent said yes, and 30 percent said no. And that is what Rother District Council wants to know - are people satisfied with it?

“This is real evidence that they can use.

“The questions are always relevant to what I am doing.

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“I read all the comments individually. People put in stuff you would not even think about and it is very pleasing to get some positive response from residents for the work I do.

“When I get these survey results I can then focus on the things they brought up and say what their concerns are, and know that is exactly what they want me to do.

“If you don’t do a survey and find out what people say then you are always just hearing from the strong vocal minority, and not the silent majority.

“You need to get the picture of what people really think.”

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