Campaigner voices concern that new seafront board requirements exclude regular residents.
The council wants people with business skills and urban design experts are welcome, too. They also seek people representing interest groups. Wright believes this excludes regular people.
Board members must commit for a year. They will attend up to four meetings. Reading background material is also required. Events and site visits are part of it.
Wright feels the council asks for too much. He says they want only qualified professionals and notes the process doesn’t specifically invite residents. Community groups seem excluded as well.
Wright found the recruitment details on LinkedIn. The council publicized it on Facebook, though. He felt discouraged at first, but then applied.
Lord Bassam encourages all residents to apply. He wants varied experiences on the board. Residents and businesses should have a passion and this passion should bring life back to the seafront.
Bassam says board membership is just one way to help. The board will connect with residents. They will consult and co-create the future. They want to hear from interested people.
The council will arrange regular engagement events and these events will help the community contribute. They will work to agree on key priorities, which should make a big difference. Information about the board is on the council website.