The BBC has been taking a growing interest in citizen-led local websites, the latest instance being an article published today by BBC Technology Correspondent, Jane Wakefield.
Jane uses the three sites being studied in our London’s Digital Neighbourhoods research - Brockley Central, East Dulwich Forum and Harringay Online – to help build the argument that politicians’ attitudes need to change if the potential contribution of local sites is to be fulfilled.
She quotes Councillor Alan Stanton, a regular contributor to Harringay Online, who says:
Most councillors are deeply suspicious… Many are still at the stage of ‘we are the council and we tell you what to do’.
Networked Neighbourhoods’ Hugh Flouch and Kevin Harris are both quoted. Building out of Hugh’s experience of building successful local sites and now researching them, the article notes his view that there are lessons for local councils seeking to mimic the successful sites:
The first lesson for local councils is to loosen the reins of control and be prepared to let citizens take the driving seat.
Kevin suggests that networks such as these are
..part of a fundamental shift towards conversational democracy.
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