Residents Get Their Say

Exeter people are being given the chance to make a real difference in their communities as part of the 'My Neighbourhood' Project. Residents in Newtown have received letters asking for their views on how £5000 would be best spent in their local area.

Last week, Exeter City Council wrote to 2,400 households asking residents for ideas on how to spend the money which has been allocated for small improvements in the area. The deadline for views is Friday February 22 and the feedback will have a direct result on bringing improvements to the area.

In addition 4,000 letters were distributed to residents in Polsloe along with a 'My Neighbourhood' leaflet . These letters ask residents to respond more generally about priorities that need to be addressed by local residents in partnership with the city council and police in their area. Again, the deadline for responses is February 22 and views will be put forward at a 'My Neighbourhood' Community meeting at St Marks Church Hall on Thursday March 6 at 7pm.

At this meeting project organisers are aiming to establish a 'My Neighbourhood' Partnership group which could help to identify priorities for Polsloe and decide how the small grants can be used most effectively

The 'My Neighbourhood'Project is working in four areas of the city : Kings Heath/Clyst Heath, Newtown and Polsloe, St. David's and Exwick. It is being led by Exeter City Council and includes voluntary sector organisations Exeter Community Initiatives and Exeter CVS, together with Devon and Cornwall Police.

The initiative aims to give people more say in the kind of activities that will help to improve their community. Different approaches are being used in each of the four areas so organisers can assess the most effective ways of working with local residents and other organisations. Exeter City Council will use findings to look at the way that services are planned and delivered to improve the lives of people in Exeter, now and in the future.

Bindu Arjoon, Assistant Chief Executive at Exeter City Council, said: "The 'My Neighbourhood' project aims to change way that the city council engages with the local community. Residents are the people who know their local communities the best and it is extremely positive that they are being given a chance to contribute to consideration of local issues. I would urge residents in both wards to take full advantage of this opportunity to make a difference to their local neighbourhoods."

For more information contact The Exeter City Council Community Involvement Officer on 01392 265531 or by e-mail myneighbourhood@exeter.gov.uk.

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