News

Poole residents are being given the opportunity to have regular contact with the Council and give their views on local services or issues that are facing the town as the Poole Opinion Panel recruits new members.

Over the next month, Poole residents are being invited to join the Council’s Poole Opinion Panel – giving their views on a variety of Council services and local issues.

The Poole Opinion Panel is how Poole Council keeps in touch with its residents to ensure that it continues to deliver the services residents want and need – as well improving how those services are delivered.

Cllr Graham Wilson, Executive Spokesperson for Community Information, said: "This is a good way for the Council to listen to the views of local residents, and to use them to help shape the services the Council provides and make a difference. The Panel gives us regular feedback from people of ages and backgrounds and is representative of Poole people."

"The Poole Opinion Panel is just one way that the Council canvasses the views of local people. Of course, they will still be able to voice their opinions with local Councillors, on boroughofpoole.com or by attending Area Committees, Council meetings and community lunches."

From mid–May, researchers from The Market Research Group, Bournemouth University will be visiting a number of key shopping locations throughout the Borough, inviting residents to join Panel.

Members of the Panel will participate in up to 4 surveys per year – questions range from views on services from leisure facilities to refuse collection; the Council’s priorities or community safety. All questions included are about really important and timely issues and the Council will take account of these views before it makes decisions.

Panel members may also be invited to take part in discussion groups on a particular topic that affects the town – for example waste or crime. These are voluntary but all those who have taken part enjoyed taking part and listening to other people’s views.

Survey results are shared with Panel members via ‘Feedback’ – the Poole Opinion Panel newsletter – and are also featured in Poole News, the local press and on our website boroughofpoole.com.

For further information please contact Heather Russ, Marketing Officer (Consultation) on 01202 633279 or by e-mail h.russ@poole.gov.uk