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AI in Local Government
by Francesca Pridding, partner, LGRC

LEGAL MATTERS

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Protesters make their point in opposition to plans by Eton College to build 3,000 homes.

PROTESTERS OBJECT TO ETON PLANS

More than 250 residents of EAST CHILTINGTON and surrounds gathered together to protest against plans put forward by Eton College, which would see more than half the parish covered by 3,000 houses. East Chiltington is partly within the South Downs National Park in Sussex and currently has just 180 homes, many of which are hundreds of years old. They were joined by local MP James MacCleary who said: It’s a totally inappropriate site, completely lacking in the necessary infrastructure.

 
Mayor Andy Gilbert and Deputy Mayor, Andy Wainwright were among the UK-France team.

MAYOR LEADS EPIC CYCLE RIDE

A team of eight THAME residents, including Mayor Andy Gilbert and Deputy Mayor Andy Wainwright cycled to twin town Montesson, in France. The two towns were celebrating 25 years of twinning with a reception to mark the Silver Jubilee. The intrepid Oxfordshire team of three cyclists pedalled 110 miles to Newhaven on day one. They then rode to Gisors before meeting the cycling Montessonais, who accompanied them into Montesson to complete the 350-plus mile journey. An evening reception was joined by the hosts German twin-town of Baesweiller.

YOUNGSTERS TELL THEIR VILLAGE STORY IN PHONE BOX ART

A Suffolk community has rallied to breathe new life into a much-loved landmark. Having bought a disused and damaged phone box for £1 from BT, backed by a £4,415 Pride in Your Place grant from Mid Suffolk District Council, as well as locality funding from Cllr Tim Weller, the PALGRAVE community has worked hard to restore it to its former glory. Now, the phone box is decorated with artwork from local students, depicting the village through their eyes. A new interpretation board details some of the historically significant nearby properties, and incorporates three walks around the village.

Burry Port Cenotaph is now in the digital age.

CENOTAPH GOES DIGITAL TO TELL TALE

Visitors to Burry Port Cenotaph can now discover the stories behind the names on the memorial, thanks to the dedication and extensive research of local historian Graham T Emmanuel. A new digital resource has been installed at Memorial Gardens, allowing residents and visitors to access the PEMBREY AND BURRY PORT Memorial Ledger with a simple scan of a QR code. To provide a permanent link between the physical memorial and the digital archive, a porcelain QR tile set into a granite base has been installed beside the Cenotaph.

Georgina Wilson designed the bin shelter.

BIN THERE, DONE THAT!

An innovative idea developed by a Year 12 student at Ringwood School has been brought to life through a collaboration between the school, RINGWOOD Town Council, Greening Ringwood and local businesses and volunteers. The council teamed up with the school to launch the Ringwood Eco Wheelie Bin Store Challenge, asking students to design an innovative, practical and environmentally friendly storage solution that could do more than simply hide their bins. Georgina Wilson took on the challenge and developed an imaginative design that transforms a practical wheelie bin store into a miniature garden habitat.

SYMBOLS SHOW THE WAY TO GO

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON Town Council is the first symbol friendly UK town council. In partnership with Widgit Software, the council is using symbols to enhance the way it communicates with customers with diverse communication needs, including symbol signage to help visitors find their way around. The platform supported the Shakespeare Birthday Parade and last year’s Halloween Trail. Office manager Lisa Campion said: By adding symbols into the customer experience, the council conveys a powerful message of inclusivity and help for those who may feel excluded or overwhelmed in accessing its services or venues.

COMMUNITY HAS ITS DAY

A community Day was a great success with many residents enjoying activities and speaking to a variety of organisations from all aspects of the CANVEY ISLAND community. Among the stalls on show were Essex Police, Peabody, Castle Point Housing, NHS, Home Instead as well as voluntary organisations. The town council stall offered drop-in IT support for smart technology. Mayor Sue Brooke said: It was a great event, and what a wonderful opportunity for so many community organisations to come together and showcase what they offer.

Past and present councillors were at the opening of Willowbed Hall in Chickerell.

LONG-AWAITED HALL WORK IS FINISHED

A project started almost 20 years ago has been completed. CHICKERELL Town Council opened the newly refurbished and extended Willowbed Hall, at a ceremony attended by councillors past and present, project partners, contractors, community representatives, hall users and local residents. The completed project provides a modern, flexible and welcoming facility that can meet the changing needs of the town. The new Willow Suite has a civil marriage and partnership licence, allowing it to be used for ceremonies as well as other events. Improvements have also been made to accessibility and public facilities, alongside the introduction of sustainable technologies.

 
Guides revealed Keynsham’s Roman role.

TOWN’S ROMAN PAST IS INVESTIGATED

KEYNSHAM’S heritage took centre stage as the Heritage Open Days Festival brought 10 days of free events, discoveries and community activity. The festival featured 13 events across 10 venues, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to explore some of the Somerset town’s most historic buildings, places and stories. Highlights included chance to explore the ruins of Keynsham Abbey, visit Albert Mill and discover more about the town’s Roman past with historical experts from across the region. The festival ended with a showcase of Roman discoveries at Keynsham Cemetery.