The idea for these forums was born out of frustration at the lack of connection between the public and those that represent us in both Parliament and our local councils. Both MP's and councilors are the representatives of the people and as such they are answerable to us, the public, because without us they would not be in power. These people have the power to change our local society - so we need to tell them how we feel. If we dont use our voice to tell them about our concerns, how do they know what needs changing.

I'm also concerned that many of the people around my area have no interest in politics and most seem to be lost in complete apathy about anything to do with how our society is run. Yet at the same time they continue to moan and groan about how things need to change.

So we need to change something !

It seems sensible then that we should create a way in which we can communicate our concerns and ask questions to those people we elect and at the same time create a local facility to build respect and tolerance in our own local communities. The internet is a wonderful tool and if used properly can provide a wealth of information and many of the Governments own web sites do just that.

But there is no point of contact. Our aim then as well as building community spirit within each area that these forums cover, is to ask both the local MP's and the local councilors to join us and answer our questions. More than that we would like them to join in on the other discussions that will inevitably take place on these forums because they should be part of the local community. How can you represent the people - when you have no idea who we all are ? or what we worry about and what or what issues we have concerns about ?

We are also aiming to invite the Community Support Police officers to join us together with at least one senior ranking Police officer in each area we cover and inviting Church and community leaders to add their voices.

It may be idealistic but we can use this wonderful tool called the internet to pull our communities back together again and we can use it to add our voice to the political and economical issues affecting our country. Because they affect us all.

This article on ePolticX.com says why these forums will work

Community cohesion should be at the heart of local government services rather than just an "add-on", a minister has said. Skip related content

Launching new guidance for councils, communities minister Shahid Malik said that inclusive communities helped to improve mental and physical health as well as reduce crime.

The government said new figures suggested that increasing 'cohesion' - which includes factors such as "sense of community" and "respect for diversity" - by one per cent across the country could save up to £530m in reduced crime.

The guidance suggest that higher levels of social integration can lead to the community sharing the same values and goals, including keeping the neighbourhood safe and free from crime.

Malik said: "The vast majority of people are happy with the community they live in, and believe that different groups get on well together in their area.

"But we know that challenges to cohesion do exist and there are those who try to undermine our commonality and our shared values.

"We, therefore, need to tackle head-on the sense of unfairness and disaffection that is alienating parts of our community. Promoting cohesion should never be an optional extra."

The guidance also said figures showed that crime was lower in areas which, while disadvantaged, have high levels of social cohesion.

Communities secretary John Denham recently announced that working-class areas would be targeted by the government to counter far-right extremism.

The government wants councils to consider cohesion in all aspects of their work including housing, education, healthcare and planning.

Several councils were commended for their efforts, including Buckinghamshire which was praised for providing cohesion training for new staff as part of their induction.

dated 4th August 2009