Come along and have your say about the future of the community.
That is the message from Philip Herlihy, chairman of Walthamstow West Community Council.
Mr Herlihy, 52, is urging people to make the most of their chance to get involved in local democracy.
Community Councils were set up around 18 months ago, and the number of people attending the Walthamstow West meetings has been steadily increasing, according to its chairman.
But he believes that many are missing out on having a real influence on decisions about improvements, investment and development in their areas. He said:
"I think it's important that the whole of the community is represented at these meetings. There are a lot of people who maybe aren't aware of the opportunities or don't feel very involved in the area in which they live. "I was like that myself before my situation changed and I started working from home. If we are going to achieve success we need to hear from people from all backgrounds and with all sorts of interests."
As well as giving residents a chance to raise their concerns about anything from traffic problems, crime and anti-social behaviour to hopes for development and possible events and activities, the councils can also be used to report minor problems or complaints.
Mr Herlihy, who runs his own computer business, said:
"As the chairman, I see my role as giving as many people as possible the chance to give their views. I would accept questions and comments about anything that has a direct effect on the community. The meetings can be very flexible."
Among the recent success stories from his community council debates are the purchase of four mobility scooters and 32 litter bins for the area, and the installation of play equipment in Lloyd Park.
But Mr Herlihy said was difficult to measure some of the other successes. He explained:
"What matters most is that we've created something new. Community Councils are a new place to raise issues where you'll hear what your neighbours think, confident that councillors and officers will note what you say, whether they agree with you or not. "It's also an opportunity for those same councillors and officers to account why they take the decisions they do, and I've been struck several times by glimpses of a real passion to make things better here."
Among his hopes for the future are to bring in a way of giving residents chance to submit their queries if they run out of time during the public forum.
There have been discussions about introducing a written question system for members but Mr Herlihy just happy to be involved with the council. He said:
"I remember being struck by the village feel of Walthamstow. I love the diversity and the character of the place and people. "I'm enjoying getting to know more about the communities and it's a real pleasure to be involved in the community council."
The next meeting takes place on April 11th.
Jenny Clarke, Waltham Forest Guardian 17 February 2005