A presentation was delivered by Community Planning partners relative to identifying common matters that were important to people in the area and setting local priorities for improvement. It was envisaged that, once identified, these local priorities would be used to target resources and improvement actions.
The presentation, together with a Local Profile providing background information, detailed key facts about the population, access to services, crime, children in poverty, schools, care homes, extra care and sheltered housing, parks and play areas, health resources and the voluntary sector, specific to this Local Partnership area. The development of Place Plans for specific localities, such as that already in place for Foxbar, was also highlighted as good practise.
Based on the information provided, members worked in groups to identify and set priorities for the area. After discussion, the following priorities were identified (in no order of importance):
•
Reducing crime
•
Reducing isolation/loneliness
•
Improving mental health for young people
•
Introducing the “500 miles” initiative to get more people active in the area
•
Improving transport and public transport links
•
Increasing access to GP services
•
Information sharing to improve access to services
•
Increasing the number of people volunteering in the area
•
Increasing youth involvement in the Local Partnership
•
Improving the use of local community facilities/assets
•
Improving parks and access to open spaces
•
Introduce a “Beat the Holiday Hunger” initiative
•
Introduce Free School Meals for all pupils
•
Improve road safety
•
Introduce free hall lets for local community groups
•
Establish a community café
•
Improve communication about “What’s On” in the local area/electronic notice boards in local shops etc
•
Establish activities for children (out-with school hours)
•
Introduce a skills training programme for residents
•
Establish a local football team
•
Establish a local playscheme and summer trips for children
DECIDED:
(a)
To note, in no specific order of importance, the priorities established for this Local Partnership; and
(b)
That the Strategic Partnerships & Inequalities Manager summarise the priorities under key themes and share this information with members before the next meeting.