IF, as a result of damning revelations relating to the failings of Council’s Child Protection function and the Children with Special Educational needs services, Bury Council’s Leader Rishi Shori is genuinely keen to “change the culture “ of his deeply troubled organisation (Bury Times July 27), a good start would be to scrap Bury’s 'Strong Leader' model of Governance .

Bury Greens have been vigorously opposed to this option offered to local councils under Tony Blair’s premiership. In our 2015 Election Manifesto, our 17 Green Party local election candidates pledged to scrap the 'Strong Leader' model.

Prior to 2011, Bury Council operated a truly inclusive, open and transparent committee-based model of governance. Participation by members of our lively civic society shaped policies and ways of improving services. This had been positively embraced and promoted by a much loved community campaigner and environmentalist Council Leader Derek Boden.

With an independent and thriving Council for Voluntary Service offering professional support to local community groups, charities and individuals, there never was then any shortage of volunteers. But for no apparent reason, Bury CVS was abruptly shut down some years ago.

Councillor Rishi Shori has acknowledged Bury Greens’ support for some of his more imaginative environmental policies and wishes to work with us in our shared aims.

In these difficult times of relentless and now near impossible cuts imposed by the Conservative government on local councils, Bury Green Party members and supporters are more than happy to do all we can to play our part as a main political party.

However, we strongly believe that a “change of culture“ driven from the top will do very little to improve the delivery of Bury Council’s services. The highly hierarchical and paternalistic way Bury Council has been operating over the past two decades is far too entrenched to be transformed into what should be a modern, inclusive and open council.

What is certain is that it will have no affect whatsoever towards empowering local residents to have greater control over important decisions which directly affect all our communities, our environment and neighbourhoods.

Bury Greens take the view that nothing short of a root and branch review of the council’s model of governance and the adoption of a genuine, pro-active community involvement action plan could restore confidence in the council’s leadership. This however can only be achieved when the thousands of Bury’s amazing volunteer are given the professional support they need to harness their skills, energy and commitment.

Glyn Heath

Bury Green Party

Tel : 0161 7617279