I refer back to Nocton Dairies' recent invite to an 'informal' meeting mentioned in my last blog entry of 18th March. Over the weekend, a number of you have phoned asking for more information about this. I have therefore decided to include a little more of the correspondence for perusal.
The Nocton Dairies' email originated on 16th March and included the following phrase:
"We thought it best to keep it informal and ‘round the table’ rather than an open meeting as this is more of an update than anything else, and we really would like to move on from talking about the application and what has gone before and use this as a chance to be constructive about discussing the future."It went on to say:
"In the interests of keeping this small, workable and avoiding media/speculation, I would appreciate it if this email and the exact time/date of the meeting aren’t republished or promoted, but if you feel it’s helpful please do let people know an offer has been extended to meet soon in case there are any questions that individuals would like raised on their behalf."
After much thought, I responded on 17th March:
"I have now had the opportunity to think through the content of your earlier email.
I see your correspondence was directed at very specific people – indeed I recognise many of the email addresses, but not all. One of the major flaws surrounding NDs original application for Nocton Heath was its poor communication strategy for connecting with the local communities. I feel there is a danger of heading down the same route with your pre-determined selection of invitees.
As such, I would make the following observations:
- It is important for the local community to hear about your client’s early thinking following their ‘Watch this space’ comment.
- However, this is no time to be rushing headlong into an impromptu dialogue - as there are no longer any planning applications in place forcing the issue.
- If your clients really want to try and rebuild trust from within the local community, it is imperative to get this particular consultation right, first time.
- It is not really helpful creating a pre-determined group of individuals for consultation, some of whom may not be able to speak on behalf of the communities concerned.
- As such, the invite should be restricted to the local Parish Councils, as only they can provide the proper democratic forum connecting the local populous to your clients.
- Any meeting should be organised along business lines with a proper Agenda and full Minutes - which are then agreed and made available to the public domain with no ‘Commercial in Confidence’ restrictions/omissions.
- An informal group is inappropriate for this type of consultation process in my opinion.
- A totally independent Chair should be selected and agreed upon by all representative parties – as this is a totally new consultation group unconnected with the former Liaison Committee.
- There has to be total openness and honesty about what your clients are considering, regarding both development and the future potential sites – only then can full and frank feedback be offered to your clients based on local knowledge.
- There should be no ‘tactical play’ by any of the participating parties - the discussion and debate should surround factual information – not what might be or could be.
Hope this helps."
I received this reply from Nocton Dairies'public relations representative on 18th March:
"Thanks for your feedback – much appreciated.
However I think there is a misunderstanding. This is an informal update not the start of a consultation, otherwise I would completely buy into the points you have made. We’ve asked those who have expressed an interest in communicating previously, plus contacts within the parish councils. We are really keen not to build this into any more than it is – a chance to have a chat and provide as much information as is known at the moment.
Hope you can make it."
I do not really know why I was included on the circulation list by Nocton Dairies' public relations representative. As you can see from my response, I believe it is proper for our local Parish Councils to pursue... and as such I will not be attending the meeting.
If you have any questions for Nocton Dairies, please contact your local Councillors as soon as possible.
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Local Produce
Time to take our custom elsewhere methinks... and support local producers.
http://www.visitlincolnshire.com/site/shopping/local-produce#ProductList-/site/shopping/local-produce
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