Local resident Alison Neale edits the Beeston Hill Residents’ Voice blog. Here, she’s written a guest post for South Leeds Life about the group she attends.
For those not familiar with the concept, a residents’ group meets regularly to give those living in a defined area the opportunity to raise concerns about their neighbourhood, be they issues of crime, anti-social behaviour, amenities, street lighting, dirty streets, etc.
Importantly – and the reason I attend – the groups tend to be a source of information that you might not otherwise find out, such as consultations on planning for new housing or amenities, updates on crime levels and suggestions for crime prevention, and a chance to meet representatives of the police, Council, councillors and others with an interest in your area, such as housing associations.
Beeston Hill Residents’ Voice was re-launched in May 2011, for those living in or around the area bounded by Hunslet Hall Road, Dewsbury Road, Cross Flatts Park and Beeston Road, in south Leeds. Each meeting is attended by local residents, representatives from Holbeck Neighbourhood Policing Team, various departments of Leeds City Council, councillors and Aire Valley Homes.
The first major success was to help the Council identify bulky waste in binyards, 25 tons of which was then cleared. In subsequent meetings attendees highlighted areas of ‘crime and grime’ on a map of the neighbourhood; ‘community champions’ were nominated, who will be go-to residents for information; and problems with theft of scrap metal and car numberplates, dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour were all raised.
So, if you live in this area and have a grouch, do please come along to the next meeting, which will be held on Tuesday 7 February, from 7pm, at Building Blocks on Tempest Road (next to the Hamara Healthy Living Centre). The annual general meeting (AGM) will be held on Tuesday 6 March. If you cannot attend but wish to raise an issue, please contact us by email (beestonhill@gmail.com). Visit our blog for more information: http://beestonhill.wordpress.com.
South Leeds Life welcomes contributions from readers. If you’d like to write about something that’s important to you or celebrate local achievements etc – or raise the profile of your local group or organisation – email southleedslife@gmail.com
A version of Alison’s post will appear in the next South Leeds Life magazine, out in early February.
