19 January 2007
A new Neighbourhood Management agreement aimed at continuing the transformation of a housing estate in Eastbourne is set to be signed on Friday (19 January), the first of its kind in the south.
The agreement is the first of its type to be signed in the South-East and represents a significant step towards consolidating the action of tenants, the Council, the three landlords (Places for People, Raglan, and Southern Horizon Registered Social Landlords) and the police to make a real difference to the lives of people living on the Kingsmere estate. It sets out how tenants and partner organisations will work together to continue improving the estate and details plans to ensure residents are able to influence decisions that affect them.
The Kingsmere estate was built in 1997 and is home to 270 properties. Soon after its development, Kingsmere began to experience a number of significant problems including antisocial behaviour, crime and a lack of youth facilities which served to undermine the effective management of the estate as well as local quality of life.
Residents on the estate decided that they wanted to tackle problems on the Estate and initially formed a forum and then approached the landlords and the police. This then formed the basis of a Local Action Team where landlords and residents worked with the police to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime. Police figures have shown that crime on the estate is down 30 per cent and burglaries by 81 per cent.
Tracy Moles, Chair of the Kingsmere Community Forum says, “This great example of what tenants can achieve when they get together and work with the Council, landlords and police. The Neighbourhood Management Agreement will ensure sustainability of the Estate’s future bringing long term benefits. This is a great example of residents being part of the management of their neighbourhood and being in a position to influence the shape of services provided.”
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Spokesperson for Housing, Health and Community Services Councillor Sandie Howlett says, “This is a great opportunity to make the difference people living in Kingsmere want to see happen. By joining together with tenants we build strength to tackle the issues and will be able continue to build on the success to date.”
Dave Lewis, Head of Housing at Places for People (South-East) said:
“Places for People are delighted to have signed up to this agreement, the first of its type in the south-east which will help residents on the Kingsmere estate to continue to influence the decisions that affect their local neighbourhoods.”
“In recent years we have developed a strong working relationship with residents on the Kingsmere estate, the council, local police and other organisations to offer a cohesive community that is now growing in confidence and ambition. The Kingsmere Partnership Agreement will enable us to continue delivering visible improvements to the estate, tackle crime and antisocial behaviour and establish a sense of pride in the neighbourhood.”
Chief Inspector Bob Gough says, “I am delighted that Eastbourne Police have had the opportunity in playing a key part in the development of this management agreement and reducing crime and disorder within the Kingsmere neighbourhood. The agreement is another step in securing long-term manageable partnership working which will be a fundamental link to building an even better future for the local residents”.
