The Council, Police, CDRP, and local housing associations are working with Kingsmere residents to develop a formal Neighbourhood Partnership Agreement with the aim of delivering first class services to improve the overall quality of life for residents.
Key outcomes of the agreement will be linked to delivering visible improvements to the area, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and to further enhance a sense of pride in the neighbourhood.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Spokesperson for Housing, Health and Community Services, Councillor Sandie Howlett, says, “The core principle of such agreements is the belief that the most effective way to achieve these aims is for the community, police, landlords and the local Council to work more closely together and to agree a common vision and action plan for the area.”
Dave Lewis from Places for People says, “Places for People are committed to improving people’s lives and delivering areas where people are proud to live and work.”
Chief Inspector Bob Gough says, “The Kingsmere Local Action Team has been a real success story in tackling antisocial behaviour and improving the quality of life for residents on the estate. Over the last 18 months, crime on the estate has been reduced by 30%. This is a great achievement and clearly demonstrates what can be achieved through agencies working in partnership with the community. We are fully committed to the Kingsmere Neighbourhood Partnership Agreement and believe it is an excellent way of ensuring the Local Action Team success is taken forward and built upon. The Kingsmere Partnership will develop a long term strategy for the estate, ensuring crime and antisocial behaviour is kept low and the quality of life for residents is continuously improved.”
The success of the existing Kingsmere Local Action Team in reducing crime has provided a good foundation upon which a Neighbourhood Partnership Agreement could be put in place to further develop closer partnership working between key service providers and the community.
The draft Neighbourhood Partnership Agreement sets out the role of the partnership and defines its responsibility. This includes:
Developing a common vision for the estate and establishing the partnership's mission and strategic priorities.
Setting standards and targets for services delivered onto the estate.
Developing a local action plan.
Monitoring and evaluating local service standards and other activities/improvements on the estate.
To date, Places for People, Southern Horizon Housing Association, Raglan Housing Association, East Sussex County Council, Eastbourne Borough Council, the Police, and Kingsmere Residents Association have been involved in developing the proposal for the Estate. In addition local ward Councillors and Nigel Waterson, MP, have expressed support for the approach with Nigel Waterson indicating a willingness to consider acting as chairperson for the Partnership Executive Group.
