COUNCIL chiefs have approved an initial consultation plan leading towards rolling out neighbourhood working across the borough using the brand name “Stronger Together in Warrington.”
The aim is to facilitate the council’s approach to neighbourhoods, providing local delivery of services and empowering local communities.
It follows the success of a “Stronger Together” pilot scheme covering Bewsey, Dallam, Blackbrook, Longford and a small part of Orford and Grasmere and Greenwood.
The Stronger Together in Warrington (STiW) pilot is said to have improved the quality of life and levels of community engagement in the target areas.
A household survey has shown that a much larger number of residents – 50 per cent compared with 32 per cent last year – now feel they can influence local decisions.
At the same time, 43 per cent of people think vandalism and graffiti are a problem in their area, compared with 52 per cent last year.
The aim is to set up, in addition to the existing STiW pilot area, another neighbourhood management area in the town centre and four neighbourhood co-ordination areas in other parts of the borough based on neighbourhood policing units and neighbourhood co-ordination areas.
Wide consultation will take place on the overall proposals and, later, on more detailed proposals for specific areas of the town.
A number of parish council have already been consulted and following early indications of interest from Culcheth and Lymm, further work has taken place at Culcheth to take forward neighbourhood working in Culcheth. Two consultation events and an information day for residents are to be organised shortly.
The police, faith communities, health chiefs, Town Centre Partnership and Birchwood Forum are among organisations already involved in talks.
Jan Souness, head of service in the chief executive’s unit, said residents already involved in neighbourhood working had been able to see community priorities addressed, environmental improvements happen and service delivery change.
“The council and its partners are taking a proactive approach to developing neighbourhood working which is appropriate to different parts of the town and have the commitment and support of key organisations,” she said.
COUNCIL chiefs have approved an initial consultation plan leading towards rolling out neighbourhood working across the borough using the brand name "Stronger Together in Warrington."
Giving power to communities
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
