No-show by electors to Bognor meeting sparks alarm

The absence of any member of the public made the annual town meeting of electors probably the quickest ever.

It lasted just 38 minutes and the only debate of note took place about why no one else had bothered to turn up.

The meeting has to be held annually by the town council '“ and all other parish councils.

Bognor's has taken place each March for decades.

The tradition is long-standing and provides a chance for councillors to inform residents of their activities and residents to raise matters of concern.

But rarely can the occasion had been greeted with such apathy.

Monday's session saw 11 out of 16 town councillors scattered around the town hall council chamber along with one county councillor, two town council offices and the Observer.

Cllr Jim Brooks contrasted the lack of interest with the emotions which used to surround the electors' meeting.

"It was not so long ago that this was a hotspot. This was the meeting where people really raised issues," he reminded members.

He offered to lend the council five A boards to be placed around the town centre to advertise meetings in the preceeding week.

He also suggested councillors should invite a couple of electors to look around the town hall and chamber and have a cup of coffee to make them familiar with the surroundings.

"We do need to make contact with people again," he urged the councillors present. "It's something very important. We want people to take part in local democracy. It's important we know what they are thinking."

Cllr Greg Burt said: "This meeting is a waste of time." Arranging a speaker on a topical subject could attract some attention.

"Police matters, regeneration, proposed new dog bylaws and Asda were two issues which might gain interest.

He stated: "There are so many issues out there. If people know there is something of interest, they will come along.

"I hope this is something that can be considered at the next policy and resources committee meeting."

He called for the formal style of agenda to be ditched in favour of a more modern approach.

Cllr Paul Wells said: "People will turn out if there is a big issue they are really passionate about and they want to see change."

This had been the case the previous week when more than 20 dog owners went along to a council committee meeting. Meetings about St Richard's Hospital had also attracted large turnouts.

Cllr Ken Scutt said: "I don't understand this at all. It could be a sign that people are either satisfied or they are just not interested."

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