Criticised assembly backed by residents, Teesdale Mercury

A TEESDALE assembly that has been criticised in the past for having too much red tape has received a boost from residents. 

The Teesdale Action Partnership (TAP) was set up to give local residents a voice following the demise of the district council. 

Since its inception over a year ago the group, which is made up of representative’s from across the dale, has come under fire for its bureaucracy. 

Concerned members of the group’s board, including Cllr Barbara Harrison, said that progress and the development of TAP projects were suffering from too much paperwork. 

But at a recent TAP forum meeting – which is open to not only board members but the wider public – the majority of people who attended appeared happy with TAP’s progress. 

Feedback received after the meeting showed that nearly 70 per cent of people felt that had been able to help shape the future of their local area and nearly 50 per cent said it was easy for them to have their say. 

The details were printed in an advert taken out in this week’s Teesdale Mercury. A spokesperson for the TAP said: “This information is really important because TAP is your chance to have a real say on the issues happening, and the priorities you want to set, in your area.”

The next TAP forum meeting is expected to take place in either November or December. Those attending will have chance to select priorities for 2011/2012.