Connecting with Communities – Leigh Neighbours Project

Communities Secretary John Denham has announced that an area close to Leigh Town Centre is set to benefit from £68,500 funding from the Connecting with Communities national programme.

The Government package is designed to support traditional working class areas of the country that have been worst hit by the economic recession, to help forge stronger community links and to ensure that residents feel they can have their say on local issues. It focuses on areas where recent migration is perceived to be re-shaping communities and increasing competition for local jobs and resources.

The earmarked area to the north west of Leigh town centre has seen a number of changes over recent years. A high turnover of transient residents, lower than average household income, poorly maintained private rented housing and concerns over anti-social behaviour, such as fly-tipping, are some of the key priorities.

The funding will be used to deliver Leigh Neighbours Project, a campaign which aims to enhance leadership at community level, give people a voice, increase engagement and improve access to local opportunities and resources.

Work is now underway to start to develop the Leigh Neighbours Project. Although only at an early stage, initial ideas include:

Better local information through local newsletters and leafleting - to let people know what’s going on and how they can get involved Local events in communities and with young people – to promote good neighbours A ‘befriending’ scheme for mentoring new arrivals into the area – to help people settle in better and contribute to their community Training programme for people working on the frontline in communities Leader of the Councillor, Lord Peter Smith says:

“This is good news for the people living in the area. We’ve been listening to what residents have been telling us about the problems that affect their lives such as clashes in lifestyles and a lack of understanding among newcomers about what is, and is not, acceptable behaviour.

This government scheme will help us, our partners and the local community tackle the issues they have been telling us about and will help build a stronger and more cohesive community.”

Cabinet Champion for stronger communities, Cllr. Kevin Anderson, says:

“The value of properties has not kept pace with other areas in the Borough, leading to a rise in the number of properties being bought to let. Generally, these properties attract migrant workers of all nationalities and people on low incomes who are seeking short term accommodation. This can lead to a more divers and unsettled population, one which lacks the roots of more established communities. The community spirit can start to break down, leading to misunderstandings and clashes in lifestyle. It is this breakdown which the Leigh Neighbours initiative strives to address.”

“Over the next few months” local Councillor Myra Whiteside said, “we’ll be talking with local people about what we need to do together as a community to address the things that concern us all most. We’ll be providing training for community champions to support their work and to help them to speak up for local people – especially in dealing with difficult issues”.

Lord Smith ended by saying; 

“In Leigh we will be referring to the ‘Connecting with Communities’ programme as ‘Leigh Neighbours Project – Next Steps’ building on the work previously carried out by the Leigh Neighbours Project across Leigh. Another reason for this is that rejuvenating that feeling of neighbourliness and belonging to a community is vital to the success of the work ahead of us, as is encouraging landlords to take an active interest in their property and tenants.”

“Securing the bid is just the start of the work ahead for the Council, Greater Manchester Police, Ashton & Leigh Primary Care Trust, voluntary and community groups and individual members of the community. The success of the project will require the joint efforts of us all working together. The funding is short term but we are looking to make long term changes with the support of everyone for everyone’s benefit – none of us can deliver those changes on our own.”

All of the work will be developed in partnership with local schools, churches and community groups in order to improve engagement and enhance mutual understanding.

Anyone wanting to find out more about the programme and how they can get involved is invited to contact:

Andrew Sharrock, Township Manager, on 01942 486648