KEY ISSUES FACING UNIVERSITY WARD IN 2007/2008:
The following list has been compiled after talking and listening to local residents. The list provides a very basic snapshot of some of the important issues and challenges facing the ward and should help the Council identify and prioritise some of the key issues which are reflected and form the basis of thinking behind the development of my Key Aims:
1. Road safety, residents street parking and football match traffic congestion problems. Some residents feel the Council has been slow in realizing the nature and severity of the problem and responding to the catastrophic pressures placed upon the ward.
2. Litter, rubbish, junk and state of cleanliness of streets & back alleys
3. Condition and state of roads, Pot holes, broken pavements & damaged kerb
4. Facelift and improvement works to properties
5. Dog fouling, rats/vermin and pests creating health hazard
6. Community cohesion & integration of transient residents
7. Lack of youth facilities & activities
8. Inadequate & poor community development work & networking of resident meetings
9. Rapid disintegration of established community due to some residents moving out
10. Impact of regeneration & demolition plans on University Ward
KEY AIMS FOR 2007/2008 AND REVIEW OF PROGRESS:
1. Be visible, available and accessible to residents:
This has been achieved primarily through the production and distribution of leaflets and newsletters, walking patrols and surgeries.
2. To lobby the council for the introduction of residents parking scheme:
Actively pursuing this issue within the council to ensure it receives top priority. Currently awaiting results of capital funding programme. In the meantime providing the necessary feedback and practical support to those residents severely affected and suffering from this problem.
3. To reduce amount of litter and improve cleanliness within the ward:
Helped to introduce new communal wheelie bins in back alleys and undertake regular quarterly inspections of the ward with senior members of Streetscene.
4. To reduce the number of potholes and improve road safety:
Work is currently being undertaken to deal with this matter.
5. To work with residents, the Police and the other agencies to deal firmly with anti-social behaviour:
This has been achieved by arranging to hold joint patrols and surgeries with various agencies like the Neighbourhood Police, PCSOs, Street Wardens and local residents. This strategy has proved particularly successful during summer holidays of 2007 when we had to put this multi-agency partnership to the test.
6. To hold regular ward and street surgeries in order to consult with residents:
Regular ward surgeries are held at Breckon Hill Community Centre, Lothian Road Day Centre, Jamia Mosque Waterloo Road and The Little House, 96 Park Lane. In addition regular walkabouts and patrols are also undertaken.
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS DURING 2007/2008:
A. Hanging Basket Workshop
I am very pleased to be able to report that following several requests made by residents that University ward had been neglected and left out of the scheduled summer flower workshops. I have been able to arrange this workshop which has proved to be a tremendous success and has been filmed by Tyne-Tees Television.
B. Residents On Patrol
I have been immensely privileged to be part of a small dedicated team of local residents patrolling our streets and alleys alongside RSVP and Neighbourhood Community Safety Officers. The volunteers sacrifice their personal comfort and benevolently put the interests of the local community above all other considerations and patrol the streets & alleys.
C. Whatever It Takes – Fire Safety Campaign
During the year I have successfully collaborated with Cleveland Fire Brigade in raising awareness and encouraging residents to make use of free home fire safety checks and where necessary fit smoke alarms within the home.
D. “Walk For Justice” - Campaign March
In September 2007 I joined hundreds of ordinary residents, some disabled and senior citizens and from all walks of life and from all over the North in a “Walk for Justice” for the families of victims which was led by the Mayor.
E. Opening Of The Revitalised Saltwells Park
On 11th August 2007 I took part in the opening ceremony of the revitalised Saltwells Park, which was officially re-launched with fun events and activities for the whole family.
F. Shoot Volleyball Tournament At Clairville Stadium – Men’s Health Project
In June 2007 along with my other ward colleague, I was invited to handout trophies to the participants and winners of shoot volleyball tournament which consisted of four teams from Middlesbrough, Stockton and Bradford. The shoot volleyball tournament is a sub-continent variation of volleyball. An information stand about Men’s Health Project was also available for the public on the day.
G. Cleveland Police Independent Advisory Group Conference 2007
I attended The Cleveland Police IAG Conference which brought together 71 delegates representing IAGs, forces, Police Authority and partner agencies across the Cleveland area and the North East of England.
