An opportunity for the public to pose questions to local Councillors will be taking place with the introduction of two new Corporate Management Board Meetings.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council will be replacing the annual State of the Borough Debate with the Great Yarmouth Area Liaison Committee and the Gorleston Area Liaison Committee.

The public will be welcome to attend these consultative meetings; to meet with Cabinet and Ward Councillors, who will respond on the night, to written questions tabled in advance, as well as taking questions from the floor during a ’public question time’ slot.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communications, Barry Stone who has been involved in the development of the Committees said: “This is an opportunity for residents in the urban areas to have their say on issues that affect their area. The fact that Cabinet members as well as ward Councillors will be in attendance is an indication of the importance we are placing on these consultation meetings. We are looking forward to good attendance and lively debate at these bi-annual events and if successful they will become a permanent fixture on the Council timetable.”

An agreed Code of Conduct for the meetings will be read out at the beginning of each meeting and this protocol will be strictly adhered to, ensuring a healthy and safe public debating arena.

The Gorleston Area Liaison Committee will be held on Monday 3 December 2007 at 7.00 pm in the Lecture Hall, Gorleston Library, Lowestoft Road, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth.

The Great Yarmouth Area Liaison Committee will be held on Thursday, 6 December 2007 at 7.00pm in the Assembly Room at the Town Hall, Great Yarmouth.

The Chairman of the Great Yarmouth meetings will be Councillor M T Jeal and the Chairman of the Gorleston meetings will be Councillor P G Cook.

If any member of the public wishes to raise a question at these meetings, please send your questions in writing, as soon as possible, to Robin Hodds, Member Services Manager and Scrutiny Officer at the Town Hall, Hall Plain, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2QF or alternatively e-mail your question to rh@great-yarmouth.gov.uk