Wheels of democracy are in motion on Keighley bus trip surgeries (From Keighley News)
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Wheels of democracy are in motion on Keighley bus trip surgeries
7:00am Tuesday 12th March 2013 in Keighley
Councillor Keith Dredge chats to bus passengers Hazel Parker and Dorothy Wilson during one of his informal surgeries
One councillor’s novel way of meeting the public is proving to be just the ticket.
There’s a fare chance you’ll bump into Keith Dredge if catch a bus around Keighley housing estates.
Coun Dredge holds impromptu surgeries as he travels on public transport to areas such as Braithwaite, Bracken Bank and Fell Lane.
He chats with fellow travellers about general issues in their neighbourhood and individual problems they face.
If he overhears people complaining about Bradford Council, he interrupts and asks what their concerns are.
Coun Dredge, who lives in Ingrow, is one of three Bradford councillors who represent Keighley West ward. He travels everywhere on public transport because his car, n historic Morris Minor, is undergoing long-term restoration.
Coun Dredge said: “It’s a good place to meet people.
“You can have a surgery and nobody turns up. More people see me this way.
“People recognise me on the buses. I pick up on what’s happening around the ward and find out what the general mood is.”
Keith recently became a councillor representative on the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority, which oversees the county’s train and bus services.
He added: “I’m always on buses and trains so I thought I was in a strong position to represent the interests of public transport users.”
