Thursday 27 March 2014

FILM ABOUT MISTRUST IN THANET COUNCIL TO GET SECOND SCREENING

A film showing a history of public mistrust in Thanet Council is to get a second showing in Broadstairs at 7.30pm on Wednesday 2 April.

The second screening comes, according to film-maker Christine Tongue, due to “overwhelming public demand.”

“We were amazed how many people crowded in to see the first screening in March,” Christine said. “We never expected there would be such an interest. The place was packed out and many people couldn’t get in.”

“People clearly feel a high degree of dissatisfaction with the performance of Thanet Council over many years, and are eager to discuss how to improve things,” Christine added.

The film, called “Thanet Council: A History of Mistrust” will include new material not shown in the first screening. Christine said: “Things are moving on all the time. We will try to include the most important developments as they happen.”

The first screening provoked heated responses, according to Christine.

“There was an extremely interesting and lively debate after the screening, with some people arguing for replacing the district council with a unitary council, where Thanet would get back powers from Kent County Council.

“Other people were keen to give more power back to the towns, Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs. Another argument was put for abolishing the cabinet system which runs the present council and replacing this with a committee-based approach.”

Christine believes these sorts of public debates are essential to the health of local democracy. “Many people seem to believe their elected representatives aren’t listening to them. We’ve got to keep talking and looking for a better way forward.”  

The screening will be followed by an open discussion.

The screening is at 7.30pm, Wednesday 2nd April at the Red Hall, 11 Grosvenor Rd, Broadstairs CT10 2BT. Entry is free. For more information or to book a place ring 01843 604 253, or 07989 070843.

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