We're listening to you!

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Thursday 25th Nov 2004.

A worker will be employed to help develop community cohesion and improve life for people in two areas of Bradford.

A number of applicants have been shortlisted for the role which will be divided equally between Cottingley and Denholme.

Although employed by Bingley Voluntary Action, the worker's priorities and projects will be set by councillors and committees in the two locations. The worker will be employed as part of the Cottingley and Denholme action plans which are being developed to make the areas better places to live.

He or she will be funded from a £20,000 pot granted as part of the Neighbourhood Action Plans (NAPs) for Cottingley and Denholme which aim to provide a series of solutions to improve the areas after residents raised concerns. The NAPs, funded through Neighbourhood renewal funding, include issues ranging from tackling anti-social behaviour and litter problems to creating community gardens and groups.

Residents and Bradford Council have been working together to produce the plans.

The worker's role will include working with residents and groups to:

l implement the action plans

l secure funding to develop the plans

l promote participation in community activities

l develop community and social rela-tionships to make the areas better places to live.

Glen Miller, a spokesman for Bingley Voluntary Action, said it was hoped separate plans could be developed between community groups to improve the areas.

Mr Miller said: "The ideal is to develop an action plan which has come about from people themselves and it's all about people involvement. It's about identifying development opportunities and a collaborative working environment."

Mr Miller said one of the main aims of the worker was to develop projects which were self-sustainable and could be maintained when the action plans are completed in 2006.

The NAPs follow a pilot scheme in Frizinghall last year. The Council aims to have plans in place for every community in the district.

Money from an initial £5,000 grant for the plans has already been given to an elderly group to run a reminiscence project and to youngsters for a video survey in Denholme.

Councillor Margaret Eaton (Con, Bingley Rural) said the worker would have "a positive effect for people."

Coun Eaton, who also leads Brad-ford Council, said: "The people of Cottingley and Denholme have come up with ideas about how to take community life forward."

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