Online Neighbourhood Discussion Forums

We have helped to launch Oxford's first Online Neighbourhood Discussion Forums. These are places where you can discuss anything that interests you in Oxford online.

The Central South and West forum, the Headington and Marston forum, and the Cowley forum are all up and running and we would like more people to join to really get the discussion going. 

What is a Neighbourhood Discussion Forum?

The first three online Neighbourhood Discussion Forum will focus on Central South and West Oxford, Headington and Marston, and Cowley and it is hoped that more will spread throughout the city. They will be places on the web where you can discuss issues that matter to you.

Who runs the forum?

The Neighbourhood Discussion Forums are independent projects run by volunteers whose only interest is to improve the working of local democracy. Oxford City Council does not own any of the forums.

Local City Councillors, Oxford City Council officers, Area Committees and other local organisations will be watching what happens on the forums however, so you can make your voice heard to the people with the power to make a difference.

The forums are hosted by E-democracy.org, a non-profit, non-partisan, citizen-based initiative launched in 1994.

During the initial launch period, Shey Cobley, Oxford City Council's Online Communications Officer will be the Forum Manager for the Central South and West, and Cowley forums but anyone who is interesting in taking over as Forum Manager should contact Shey using the details on the right of this page. Stephanie Jenkins is the Forum Manager of the Headington and Marston forum.

We want you, the residents of Oxford to run the forums yourselves and feel free to discuss the issues that matter to you.

How do I join the forum?

Visit the Central South and West section, Headington and Marston section, or Cowley section of the E-democracy website to sign-up to any of the forums now.

You have the power to choose how to participate. You can sign-up for a daily digest to see what others are talking about or view comments over the web.

Please forward this website link on to anyone who you think might be interested in joining in.

What issues can I discuss in the forum?

You can discuss any topic you like in the forum. Topics that you might find interesting include:

• Community issues that matter to you
• Local issues that you feel should be addressed by Oxford City Council or the government
• Stories in local newspapers, radio stations and other local media
• Specific issues such as busking in the city centre or graffiti along the canal

What are the rules of the forum?

This forum is for everyone, and everyone is equal. We view everyone who joins the forum as a "Citizen", whatever your job or background.

By taking part in these discussions you will accept the full rules of the forum. The rules are as follow:

1. Discussions must be polite and respectful of the views of others. There must not be any personal attacks.
2. Please discuss local issues only
3. Sign your messages with your full real name
4. Expect warnings and possible removal for rule violations
5. Please do not post more than two messages a day  

Page last reviewed 7 Oct 2008