A pioneering scheme to tackle problems in Coventry neighbourhoods
is to be extended across the whole city next week.
New areas have been earmarked for priority action in parts of the city that were not
previously covered.
The Area Co-ordination network was originally set up to draw together different
agencies and organisations to solve any difficulties in the most deprived parts of the
city.
Councillors agreed to extend the project after hearing case studies of how a
co-ordinated approach helped problem-solving and encouraged residents to become involved
with their communities.
Police, health officials, local schools and colleges, residents groups, disabled people
and a variety of council departments are all encouraged to work together to identify any
difficulties and work out a tailor-made solution.
There are six offices in Coventry with a team of staff to co-ordinate the different
groups. They currently cover: Hillfields; Foleshill; Canley and Tile Hill; Radford and
Spon End; Stoke Aldermoor and Willenhall; and Wood End.
These groups have been given £200,000 to fund the expansion into the whole city.
From April the offices will cover council wards split into the following sections:
| Area |
Wards |
North East Area
[Wood End office] |
Henley, Longford, Wyken |
South East Area
[Stoke Aldermoor/ Willenhall] |
Lower Stoke, Binley &
Willenhall, Upper Stoke |
South Central Area
[Hillfields] |
St Michael’s, Cheylesmore |
South West Area
[Canley / Tile Hill] |
Woodlands, Westwood, Wainbody,
Earlsdon |
North West Area
[Radford / Spon End] |
Radford, Sherbourne, Whoberley,
Bablake |
North Area
[Foleshill] |
Foleshill, Holbrooks |
The main effort will focus on more than 20 neighbourhoods,
which have been designated as high priority areas.
A similar amount have been classed as priority areas after figures showing crime and
health problems were analysed and drawn onto a map of the city to show the areas with the
biggest problems.
Ward councillors and members of other groups working in each area were then asked if
they agreed that the neighbourhoods were in need of help.
Residents living in streets not included in the priority areas will be given help if
any particular problems arise and they ask for assistance.
Area co-ordinator David Galliers, who oversees the operation, said the expansion would
begin next week and would take place over the next three years.
He said:
"It will give people the opportunity to get close to the decision-making process.
It helps people personally to progress.
"People who have started residents groups under area co-ordination have gone on to
college, to university and even to start their own business as they have gained in
confidence."
SEE: [28
MAR 00] BUTTS
RESIDENTS HELPED TO CLEAR PROBLEM
SEE: [28
MAR 00] CANLEY
AND TILE HILL FLU JAB SUCCESS
