 Council Leader, Councillor Derek Osbourne, is disappointed by the surly reaction from Conservative councillors who flatly rejected his suggestion that the State of the Borough Debate should be held in the Rose Theatre.
Now in its fourth year, the Borough Debate opens with the political leaders talking about how they see key issues. The floor is then opened to residents so they can comment on issues and help councillors formulate future policies.
Very disappointing
Derek said,
"We've had a marvellous offer to be the first event in the auditorium of the new Rose Theatre.
It's very disappointing that the merest suggestion of holding this important debate outside the Guildhall was immediately rejected by Conservative councillors.
I want this to be an inspiring debate about where Kingston stands as a borough and not just as a council today, and where we want it to be in the future. We should be getting away from the boring party politics of the Guildhall, and engaging with the community about the big issues facing our borough.
What better way to achieve this than holding the State of the Borough debate at Kingston's brand new theatre? I'm sorry that Tory councillors did not have the imagination to embrace this wonderful opportunity.
The problem is that pompous Tory councillors think that the Council is the town, rather than that the town creates the council."
The debate
The State of the Borough debate will be held on Tuesday 11th December at the Guildhall, starting at 7.30pm. Local residents are encouraged to give their views on the issues facing the borough.
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