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PROMOTING democracy is the objective this week, as local authorities up and down the country participate in Local Democracy Week, and Suffolk is now exception.

News from a poll conducted by MORI, over the summer, however, shows a generation gap is emerging on the priorities of Suffolk’s residents.

The second Suffolk Speaks survey shows that older voters are more concerned with crime related issues, whilst those younger are more concerned with child protection and recycling.

The survey showed that 45 per cent of those aged 35 to 54 put reducing the crime rate, and the number of offenders who go on to commit more crimes as a top priority, whilst 46 per cent of those aged 16 to 24 thought that providing better protection for children at risk and improving the quality of life for locals should be top priority.

The survey also revealed that health services information becomes more important with age, with 46 per cent of those aged over 55 wanting more information, whilst 38 per cent of those aged 24 to 34 wanting more information on leisure pursuits.

The survey also revealed that 54 per cent of people were confident with the job Suffolk Police were doing compared with 23 per cent who said they were not confident.

However the situation in healthcare was much worse, with 80 per cent of people in the survey do not feel they are well informed about NHS complaints procedures compared with 16 per cent of those who do. Of those who had complained about the NHS 37 per cent said they were satisfied with the response they received, whilst 38 per cent were dissatisfied.

Kathy Pollard, of Suffolk County Council’s executive committee refuted the allegation that the results would be ignored. In a statement she said: “Whether it is telling us we are doing a good job or telling us the areas where we need to improve, all the organisations are committed to acting on the findings.”

As a part of the Local Democracy Week, Suffolk County Council are opening the doors of County Hall next week to the public.

Next Thursday 18 October, the public can enjoy a guided tour of the main County Hall building, St Helen Court, and view a number of paintings and artworks that are on display.

Three tours will take place at 12:30pm, 1:15pm and 2:00 pm. The tour will take I sites such as the condemned cell which was last used for a public hanging back in April 1863.

The event will also include a set of market stall displays, showing the range of services provided by the council including libraries, childcare and road safety.

To book a place on a guided tour place call (01473) 584005 or visit County Hall on Thursday just before the start of tours.