IT is extremely disappointing that my motion to allow members of the public to speak at Trafford Council meetings was rejected last week.

At the council meeting, Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors voted against this motion, which would have given members of the public the opportunity to speak for up to 15 minutes at full council and other meetings.

At a time when the public engagement with local politics is at an all-time low, and people feel distant from local democracy, this would have been a way of re-engaging with our residents.

As councillors, we all need to listen more to local people and understand how the decisions we take impact upon their day to day lives. This would have been an important addition to the many ways in which we learn about residents' views, especially in times like now when resources are limited.

As councillors, if we are confident in the things we are doing, why shouldn’t this be held up to public scrutiny and challenge?

If public participation at meetings is good enough for the people of Cheshire East and many others councils across the country why shouldn’t the people of Trafford have the same opportunity?

Although disappointed by this vote, Trafford Labour will continue to push for better and more extensive ways of public engagement, and also involve residents in the decision making process.”

Councillor Kevin Procter

Labour Urmston Ward

Deputy Shadow Executive Member for Finance