A community consultation gave a majority backing to re-establish seven new Area Forums across each Electoral Ward in Stirling.
Area Forums bring together local residents, community groups, councillors, representatives from the local authority, the Police, health and other key organisations under one roof to discuss topics relevant to each community.
They will also offer participants the opportunity to lead discussions and set agenda items and work collaboratively on issues that are relevant across communities.
Talking face to face
Convenor of the Community Planning and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Chris Kane, said: “There is no substitute for talking face to face and the new Area Forums will further empower our local communities to take ownership of issues and topics that are important to them.
“In what has become an increasingly digital age, especially due to the impact of the pandemic, Area Forums can bring us all together in one room and allow us to discuss a variety of topics and tackle problems.
“As a Council it is important we engage with what communities have to say and re-establishing the Area Forums will provide an extra avenue for local groups to share their views and play an active role in how we all move forward.”
A platform for local voices
Vice Convenor, Councillor Scott Farmer said: “Our community consultation showed that there is a demand from residents to have a further platform for local voices to be heard in decision making.
“Area Forums bring together local people and community organisations so that they can work in partnership on collective issues.
“They present an opportunity for residents to find out what’s going on in their community and ask questions to a variety of organisations about the services provided locally.”