Get involved, residents urged

The committee exists to scrutinise the work of the Council, the NHS and the police on behalf of the public, and Councillor Jonathan Brash is keen for more people to take part in its investigations.

He has issued an open invitation ahead of the committee’s meeting at the Centre for Independent Living in Burbank Street at 5pm tomorrow (Tuesday 18th July) which will see the launch of an investigation into derelict land and buildings across the Borough.

The meeting will also mark a shift in the way meetings of the committee are held, with the committee planning to meet at a number of different community venues in coming months instead of only at Hartlepool Civic Centre. The timing of meetings is also being changed so that more working people can to get involved

Councillor Brash said: “My message to residents is simple – this is your committee tackling the issues that matter to you, so please get involved and have your say.”

He also said he would be willing to visit any community group anywhere in the town to meet them and discuss issues affecting their local area.

He added: “The issue of derelict land and buildings, both commercial and domestic, is of huge importance. I want a more aggressive strategy to deal with the owners of these properties and we need to look at what levers we can pull – be they financial, legislative or enforcement.

“It’s not just that empty properties don’t look nice, they also attract crime and anti-social behaviour and can have a corrosive effect on whole areas and seriously affect law-abiding residents’ quality of life.

“We need to have a co-ordinated plan in place for the whole Borough.”

Anyone unable to attend tomorrow’s meeting and who wants to find out more about the derelict land and buildings investigation and the work more generally of the Audit and Governance Committee can email scrutiny@hartlepool.gov.uk Community groups wishing to engage with the committee can also get in touch using this email address.