Rather, to paraphrase JFK; ask what you can do for Berwick.
While people in Berwick often question the validity of our currently unelected (none having fought an election) town councillors, and even that of elected councillors whose voices often go unheard amid the noise.
Do you think NCC imposes their will upon Berwick? Maybe you think they make the right choices but don’t give people enough information about what they decide.
Perhaps you think our town and county councils spend too much time working out how to take more money from residents (and spend it) and too little effort examining ways to generate revenue. For example, some think recycling could be monetised – a businessman in Berwick told The Bridge that he makes money by selling his firm’s waste materials. Why not recycle food waste into garden fertiliser as many towns do? Or generate income from advertising spaces like bus-shelters?
Should parking in town remain free? Is there perhaps a need for a piece of local research to examine what income could be generated by parking charges for visitors.
If you have strong views about how Berwick should or could be run then consider standing for election. The first place to start is reviewing the documents on the Berwick Town Council website – www.berwick-tc.gov.uk for financial information, structure of council committees, decisions taken. Attend some meetings or listen to the audio online on the council website. The Bridge sometimes livestreams council meetings and there are a couple at youtube.com/@Berwick-Upon-Screen.
The Bridge will be publishing articles to help prospective candidates over the coming months. If there is a particular subject that should be covered or a format you would like (eg printed material) get in touch in the comments below. Or by text/tel: 07857 075254; email: [email protected]