Democracy should be one of the greatest acts of equality and yet many are excluded from the very processes it entails. It relies on people being able to engage, but unfortunately the very nature of the work throws obstacles in the way of this willingness. Time to participate and a means to participate are often the greatest challenges. Those with work, disability, childcare responsibilities and family commitments, are often unable to engage in a meaningful way and we wonder why we aren't able to attract a greater diversity of people into the political arena.
Those travelling along Derby Road in Ashbourne might be surprised to see the road layout shown in the photo below at the entrance to a new estate being constructed by Cameron Homes (part of Tara Homes) on land adjacent to Hilltop to the SE of Ashbourne.
From a wider road layout at the junction with the busy Derby Road, the road narrows significantly on both sides, in a manner reminiscent of a ''road narrows' sign. The wide (?2m) tarmac pavement also appears to stop, with just a grass verge beyond this point.
The importance of meaningful change to address global warming has been highlighted over the past week as the country has baked under record temperatures
This makes the current leadership election in the Conservative party even more depressing as both the final candidates have lukewarm approaches to the issues we face
Listening to the contenders to lead the Tory party squabble over who can make the biggest cuts in taxes whilst dramatically increasing defence spending you would think that the public finances are in great shape (they aren't), public services are providing great services (they dont), British industry is powering ahead with new investment (it isn't) and the cost-of-living increases are not really a problem
