Last Monday residents from across Handsworth came along to a regular monthly meeting held by the network. Back in November the group who have met for the last 12 months decided that when the neighbourhood management programme ends on the 31st March in Handsworth they are keen to continue to still meet.
I am delighted that they will carry on meeting as it is important that there are opportunties for resident led groups to come together…sometimes there is power in numbers. There is no doubt that these members are commited, some of them have already been involved in Handsworth for over 20 years.
The network is keen to get more people involved and also has an opportunity for someone to be secretary on a voluntary basis. If you’re interested contact me on 0121 303 3401 or email tracey.thorne@birmingham.gov.uk.
If you’re interested in coming along the next meeting is on:
Monday 14th February at 7pm @ Handsworth Community Fire Station
Some of the things that the network are interesting in doing during 2011 are:
- More street Action Days and Community Litter Picks
- Get local grot spots cleaned up
- Look at how residents or local groups can get ownership or adopt local green spaces
The garden below has been developed in 2010 by Seven up and is a great example of how community groups have worked with local services to make better use of green space. The green space below is being developed into a sensor garden for children with disabilities based in the grounds of Rookery Primary School next to the children centre.
- Act as an action group to champion the developement of grot spots and sites that are casuing a problem locally
- Try and influence local delivery of services e.g. litter collection, enforcement, trees
This is just a few of the issues the group are interested in so if you want to find out more or also get involved come along on the 14th Feb.