Focus groups re-launched

The meetings, hosted by Cllr Richard Robinson, give residents the chance to talk about what facilities they want to see more of in the town.

He said: “I want to make sure that local people are regularly informed and have their say.

“Rather than me go on about the tram, it’s about giving people the opportunity to say what they want to see happen over the next four years.

“People can come and have a discussion in a non-confrontational atmosphere over a drink and get back to where community politics was.

“There’s nothing like sitting down with people and letting them let off steam,” added Cllr Robinson.

The focus group was very popular with locals when Cllr Robinson ran it two years ago.

People discussed housing issues, democracy, elected police commissioners and the tram.

The first meeting, which will be mainly chat about local priorities in Kimberley, will take place at the Nelson and Railway on June 16, starting at 8pm. The sessions are open to everybody.

The next meeting in July will be a themed session on the role of trade unions in todays workforce. Shaun Lee from the local charity, The Ryan Lee Trust, will be the guest speaker.

Topics for future forums will be chosen by meeting-goers.

Cllr Robinson said: “I want to reach out to the public and let them have a say. We need to listen to people more.

“I really hope people come and enjoy the debate and discussion in June over a pint.”

Meetings will be monthly, and future dates will be in the Advertiser.

Cllr Robinson has been fighting for a cinema at the Giltbrook Retail Park for the last few years.

He has arranged meetings with the relevant bodies and got hundreds of signatures on petitions.