Exeter expands neighbourhood scheme (From Mid Devon Star)

Exeter expands neighbourhood scheme

3:28pm Tuesday 9th February 2010

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EXETER council's popular My Neighbourhood scheme is expanding into an additional eight areas in the city by joining forces with the police.

The new scheme will be called 'My Neighbourhood PACT'.

Cllr Laura Newton, lead councillor for Housing and Community Involvement, said: "It is really important for the Council to work with residents, community associations and other agencies to help create a better environment in our neighbourhoods.

“All the evidence shows that when we work with and listen to local people we provide better, more appropriate services."

The scheme brings together city councillors, residents and the Neighbourhood Policing teams (as part of the Partners and Communities Together (PACT) work) to make a difference in local neighbourhoods.

Inspector Brent Davison, Exeter`s Neighbourhood Inspector added: "We already work closely with the council, particularly around anti-social behaviour and community safety issues.

"This initiative will improve our service, demonstrating the police and council are dealing with issues that matter to local people in their areas.

“It will also increase communities` ability to address their needs."

A key part of the work will be to identify the priority issues in each area and ensure these are followed up by the appropriate authority.

Progress will be reported back to communities and local people will be encouraged and supported to be more actively involved in their community.

The areas where 'My Neighbourhood PACT' will be working are: Exwick, Cowick, St Thomas, Countess Wear, Wonford, Whipton, Barton and Newtown Pinhoe.

The project will be delivered at the council's end by area liaison officers who will have responsibility for supporting the work of the local ward councillors.

The ALOs are all existing council staff with community based skills who will be taking on the area based role in addition to their day job.

A new part of the council’s website has been set up to help people contact their ALOs and local councillors, find out more about the scheme, get news about meetings and events in their areas and to see what is being done.

Log on to www.exeter.gov.uk/myneighbourhoodpact

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