Neighbourhood Working
Each of the six neighbourhoods in Stevenage is unique and has different issues and priorities. We don’t assume what local people want for their neighbourhoods, we listen to what they need.
It is important that we continue to work closely with communities to develop neighbourhoods and make our services more responsive.
In January 2008 we held our first neighbourhood conference where residents from every neighbourhood told us face to face what they want for their neighbourhoods.
Neighbourhood Forums
Are open, public meetings where you can raise and discuss issues affecting your area. Each of our six neighbourhoods has its own forum held in a local community building. By keeping it local we can concentrate on things that affect individual communities. If you’re a part of that community – whether you live, work, study or have business interests there – you’re welcome to come along.
Each neighbourhood will have four forums a year. There will be no formal agenda although we will try to ensure that the sessions are not too long and only run for an hour and a half.
At your neighbourhood Forum you can:
- Air any concerns you or your neighbours have
- Start a discussion about an issue that’s important to you
- Identify your community’s priorities
- Talk directly to staff from the Council
- Find out what’s happening in your neighbourhood
- And find out what’s planned for your area.
Neighbourhood Action Plan
Each area has a Neighbourhood Action Plan which is informed by issues and priorities raised at the Neighbourhood Forum. For example, Bedwell might need more activities for teenagers in which case actions will be carried out to address this.
The plans are managed by Neighbourhood Action Teams made up of ward Councillors, Council staff and partners like the Police and Stevenage Homes. They work together to deliver the actions to make real improvements to each neighbourhood.
The plans will change as priorities change and issues are resolved.
Street Smart
We know from listening to residents that one of their top priorities is clean and green neighbourhoods.
Our new Street Smart service will help us deal with environmental issues even quicker.
You’ll see our environmental teams working in two new vehicles out in the community. You can report problems like broken glass in a playground and they will get to that particular part of Stevenage quickly and deal with it.
You can telephone or text us to report it. And if you have a camera phone you can take a photograph of the problem and send that, along with your message to us. See link below for more information.
Working with you
Our Community Development team work with local people, including community groups, to improve neighbourhoods.
They provide advice or can put you in touch with people who can help with:
- Funding
- Community events
- Setting up new groups.
To contact the team:
Telephone: 01438 242193
Textphone (for textphone users): 01438 242555
Email: communitydevelopment@stevenage.gov.uk