I was appointed as neighbourhood manager in September to co-ordinate delivery of neighbourhood management in Handsworth up until 31st March 2011. Handsworth as benefited from having a neighbourhood manager as part of Birmingham City Council’s first pilot for the citywide neighbourhood programme.
What this means is that in priority neighbourhoods there is a dedicated resource through a neighbourhood manager whose job it is to focus work on improving key issues that impact on the lives of local residents e.g. environmental issues.
It is a fantastic opportunity to work with local residents and service providers to try and find some local solutions to local problems. As part of this work since September I have been out and about around Handsworth talking to local residents and services to map out a neighbourhood plan.
The plan has been produced to set out how, through neighbourhood management, we aim to improve the quality of life of residents in Handsworth up to the March 2011 and sets out a vision for more sustained change. Engagement and feedback from local residents is really important to this process to ensure that we achieve some real improvements.
This plan is based on what local residents and service providers have told us are the important issues in Handsworth. Part two of the plan sets out a programme of activities to be delivered by a range of identified partners. The programme of activities will be reviewed and updated regularly, with the support and involvement of residents and service providers.
Feedback and thoughts about this plan, local issues and progress in Handsworth is welcome this can be done by attending one of the Resident Network meetings held each month or by contacting me on 303 3401 or email tracey.thorne@birmingham.gov.uk