Councillor Francis Tonks is right to say the best neighbourhood forums are ones which develop naturally out of a shared desire by residents and others to see improvements in their area (Letters, April 11).
Where councillors can help is by encouraging involvement so all voices are heard, not just the loudest, and by making the links between residents and the agencies responsible for services in the area so they can be better tailored to meet local needs and aspirations.
Councillors have a responsibility to weigh up all views before making a decision.
Stronger, more organised communities feeding in views through neighbourhood forums should lead to better, more informed decision-making at a local level and a more effective use of resources as a consequence.
-Coun Sue John, Executive for Partnerships, Brighton and Hove City Council
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