Packed Assembly a great success
Debates, a popular prize-winner and young filmmakers were the
highlights at the sixth annual Council Meeting as an Assembly, held
this year at Banks Leisure Centre.
There wasn't a spare seat as councillors, key partners, residents
and young people gathered for the flagship event. The two main
topics on the agenda for debate were the 'Ormskirk Bypass' and
'Creating a Sustainable Rural Economy' both led by Dave Guest, BBC
North West's Social Affairs Correspondent.
Each item produced a healthy debate, with a mixture of opinions
expressed from the floor.
West Lancashire District Council chief executive Bill Taylor
summarised the Ormskirk bypass debate while deputy chief executive
Les Abernethy summarised the debate on Creating a Rural
Economy.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Geoff Roberts, said: "The Council
Meeting as an Assembly is an excellent way of bringing local
government to the people and I am delighted that so many people
turned up on the night.
"There were some strong opinions and good points made on both sides
during the debates and it was encouraging to see people willing to
take part.
"I would like to thank everybody who came along and also everyone
who worked behind the scenes to make the evening such a resounding
success."
The winner of this year's Chairman's Special Award was Sue
Goldstraw, for her services to scouting in West Lancashire. Sue was
invited to become Cub Scout Leader for the 41st Halsall Scouts in
1979. She held a number of important posts within the organisation
until, in 2006, she was appointed to the top job in West Lancashire
- District Commissioner of Ormskirk and District, just in time for
the 2007 Scout Centenary Celebrations.
Chairman of the Council, Cllr William Cropper, said in his
speech:"Sue is a person of exceptional energy, extremely popular
with everyone she comes into contact with, has a great sense of
humour, is extremely practical and 'hands-on' whatever the task,
and a natural leader.
"Sue has already made an outstanding contribution to the life of
West Lancashire, in particular in her role as Scout District
Commissioner, a role which she clearly enjoys and does superbly
well. Let us hope she continues to serve scouting and inspire our
young people for years to come."
On receiving her award, Sue said: "It was all a bit overwhelming
but I was delighted to have been chosen. Scouting isn't really
about just one person and I could not have been chosen for this
award without a lot of help from friends, colleagues and
family.
Also recognised on the night for their efforts was a group of young
people who took part in a 'Positive Activity for Young People
Project' that involved the production of an animated film called 'A
Fishy can of Beans'.
The children, from Lancashire Educational Medical Services (LEMS)
and the Chapel Gallery Art Club, spent a week working with
professional film company 'First Take'. During the week they
produced storyboards and created models for their animated film.
They also developed skills in filming, video, DVD and music and in
film production.
Six young people were invited onto the stage where Council Chairman
Cllr William Cropper presented them with certificates.
Councillor Cropper said: "Everyone knows that stop-motion animation
is a painstaking process and to devise a story, make models and
backgrounds and film a finished piece in such a short period of
time shows that these young people gave a great deal of commitment
and a lot of hard work, plus no little skill, to the
project."
This year's Council Meeting as an Assembly can be viewed online. It
will be available soon as a DVD that can be ordered free of charge.
Please contact 01695 577177 for details. You will be able to order
online at the same web address or email customer.services@westlancsdc.gov.uk
and leave your name, address and contact details.
Related information
> Council Meeting As An Assembly