State of the Borough Event

Summary Report of

State of the Borough Event

18th September 2004

Contents

1.0Introduction4

2.0Findings
2.1Forum Area Workshops5
2.1.1North Shields Forum Area Workshop6
2.1.2North West Forum Area Workshop8
2.1.3Wallsend Forum Area Workshop9
2.1.4Whitley Bay Forum Area Workshop10
2.2Priority Workshops11
2.2.1Environment Priority Workshop12
2.2.2.Supporting all Sections of the Community Priority Workshop14
2.2.3Working Together Priority Workshop15
2.2.4Young People Priority Workshop16

3.0Evaluation of the day17

4.0Appendices
4.1Appendix ANorth Shields Forum Area Workshop Notes18
4.2Appendix BNorth West Forum Area Workshop Notes 22
4.3Appendix C Wallsend Forum Area Workshop Notes24
4.4Appendix D Whitley Bay Forum Area Workshop Notes28
4.5Appendix E Environment Priority Workshop Notes 31
4.6Appendix F Supporting all sections of the Community 36 Priority Workshop Notes
4.7Appendix GWorking Together Priority Workshop Notes40
4.8Appendix H Young People Priority Workshop Notes44
4.9Appendix IEvaluation Questionnaire49
1.0Introduction

The first State of the Borough Event took place at The Parks Leisure Centre in September 2004. Individuals were invited from partner organisations such as Northumbria Police, PCT and VODA. Members of North Tyneside Councils Residents Panel; Insight were also present as well as council officers and Councillors of North Tyneside. In total 114 people attended.

Lawrence Goveas, Chairman of the Council, hosted the day. The first speaker was Linda Arkley, Mayor of North Tyneside followed by senior council officers from each directorate, the Police Authority and PCT.

After these presentations, which set the context for the day, the delegates split into smaller groups to allow more detailed debate. Prior to the event individuals had been asked to express their preference of workshop. The morning workshops were area based and the afternoon workshops based upon the council’s key priorities as illustrated in the table below:

Each group was chaired by a councillor and facilitated by a council director with two council officers assisting to allow all views to be expressed and recorded. The priority issues from each group were taken back to the final session of the day when the group as a whole reconvened. This session was hosted by Chief Executive, John Marsden, who ended by responding to comments raised from the floor.

2.0Findings

2.1Area Workshops

Methodology:

Within each group there was a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 35 individuals. Groups were then further divided into sub groups of 5-7 people. Each sub group identified what key issues they felt were facing their area and wrote them on a post it note which were collected and collated by the council officers. The facilitator then gathered the groups back together and summarised the broad issues that have been raised and to talked through any queries.

Each member of the workshop was then given three red dots and asked to stick them on whichever issues they, as individuals, viewed as the most important. They were encouraged to use the dots as they wished e.g. using one dot per issue or all three dots on one issue, putting the dots on one particular issue or “voting” for a broad area of concern. The topics with the highest numbers of stickers were fed back to the final debate as the priorities from each group.

There were many issues raised in all the workshops, however those detailed in the table below are the broad issues raised. Interestingly the only issue that bridged all four areas and therefore a borough wide issue concerned community development and young people.

Community Development and Young People

However, in many instances there were very specific topics raised in each area workshop. A detailed summary of each of the workshops follows. It is essential that the detail is not lost within generalisation so the following pages, as well as the verbatim comments in the appendices, capture this.

2.1.1North Shields Forum Area

The key issues from North Shields forum area surrounded:

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• North Shields Town Centre
• Transport
• Regeneration
• Outlying Estates
• Crime and Safety
• Young People and Families
• Litter and Graffiti
• Communities
• East Howdon
• Health
• Housing.

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The following is a summary of the key points raised. A comprehensive note of all comments made during the workshop is compiled in Appendix A

Hot Topics

North Shields Town Centre

There was a general consensus that the Town Centre looks dirty, depressed and is littered. Although it was difficult to pinpoint what, there was something about the centre that is not very inviting. Following a brief discussion it was felt that people's attitudes created an environment that made people concerned about safety and uncomfortable walking through the centre. Individuals also felt there are a lack of quality shops in the town centre, especially food stores and more needs to do more to attract people with initiatives like the Victorian market. Parking arrangements and charges should also be tackled.

Transport

The main issues surrounded difficulty accessing public transport particularly in terms of:

• Frequency
• Coverage (i.e. where the buses go to – it is lacking in some areas)
• Buses not on time
• Difficulty getting on the Metro for wheelchair users
• Safety concerns on the Metro
• Cost for students – travel is subsidised when at school but the subsidy stops when young people start further education i.e. 6th form college. Travelling to college therefore becomes expensive
• Inadequate ferry timetable in terms of accessing jobs
• Cycling and walking areas are poorly maintained

Concern was also expressed about the increase in housing development and the impact that will have on congestion as more cars are brought into the area.

Regeneration

The regeneration of the riverside is considered to be too slow - there seems to be a lot of talk and not enough action. Planning should take account of the needs of both new and existing communities and should take account of the Sustainable Communities Bill. Tynemouth indoor pool is in need of improvement.

Outlying Estates

It was felt that sometimes too much is focussed on the Town Centre and not enough is done to improve the outlying estates. There should be improved street cleaning and the provision of more shops and post offices.

Other Topics

Crime & Safety

There appears to be plenty of cameras but not enough police on the streets. Problems of under-age drinking were highlighted - although it was mentioned that 'perceptions' about young people mean they seem to take a lot of blame for incidents. Street lighting is thought to be poor outside the Town Centre.

Young people and families

There aren't enough resources for young people. People were concerned that they have nothing to do and questions around how to reach this group. It is also considered that support is needed for families.

Litter and graffiti

It was felt that partners are not doing ‘their bit’ regarding tackling graffiti. Also, there is not enough clarity about whom to contact for different services provided by the council and its partners.

Communities

There was concern about communities not being listened to – people feel that they are used just to fulfil ‘statistical obligations’ (tick box exercise). There was a discussion about what actually is consultation, with concern being expressed over the closure of the Linskill Centre. Feelings that people should be involved from the outset, listened to and the role of groups should be clarified.

East Howdon

East Howdon residents felt they were ignored. There is a public health issue regarding the sewage smells, yet feel unheard. The area was described as ‘chemical alley’. Another key issue is that a number of residents can’t recycle via the Home Recycling Scheme due to collection difficulties – especially those living in flats.

Health

Participants felt that a wider provision of health resource centres to help tackle the general lack of good health in the area should be provided. Some participants were concerned that the LIFT programme was not operating in North Shields. There were particular concerns around transport and adequate parking for Rake Lane Hospital.

Housing

Information regarding the council’s housing stock is felt to be lacking – more information is needed about plans for its future and what is happening. Concern was also expressed about:

• The number of council house voids
• Pre-allocating of council houses
• Some houses considered unfit to live in
• Abuse from tenants of private landlords

2.1.2North West Forum Area

The key issues from North West forum area surrounded:

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• Services for Young People
• Transport

• Environment
• Health

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The following is a summary of the key priorities, in order of importance. A comprehensive note of all comments made during the workshop is compiled in Appendix B

Hot Topics

Services for young peopleIn general participants felt that more accessible and affordable services should be provided for young people in the North West of the borough. A number of ideas were put forward to address this issue such as youth clubs and facilities particularly in certain areas (Dudley, Annitsford, Wideopen), organised activities and use of school resources and facilities after hours. Developing intergenerational activities was also seen as a way forward to build community relationships.

Transport

Transport in the North West of the borough is a major priority. People living in this part of the borough have poor access to local transport, with bus services stopping early in the evenings. There is also a natural tendency for people living the North West to travel to Cramlington or Newcastle, rather than the central towns of North Tyneside, due to the poor transport links.

EnvironmentThe environment is also considered to be an important issue in the North West, especially the need to improve the cleanliness of the area.

HealthSome people felt that the isolation of the North West appears to have an affect on the physical and mental health of the people living in the North West.

2.1.3Wallsend Forum Area

The key issues from Wallsend forum area were:

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• Leisure and Sport
• Employment
• Housing.

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The following is a summary of the key priorities, in order of importance. A comprehensive note of all comments made during the workshop is compiled in Appendix C.

Hot Topics

Leisure and Sport

The need for improved leisure and community facilities in the ‘right’ location was seen as a key issue in particular swimming facilities. However, the need for the supporting infrastructure and transport links were also seen as key.

Regeneration, Employment and Training
The main points to emerge surrounded local job opportunities but were also linked to employment and wage levels.

Housing

The need for housing that is fit for purpose was seen as a key issue. Individuals also felt housing for the elderly and disabled needs to be upgraded.

Other Topics

Community Development and Young People

Individuals felt that more should be done to engage with young people including better communication, subsidies and tackling drug issues. The role of community workers and schools was also discussed (e.g. evening and weekend activities).

The elderly and disabled were considered to be groups which were not treated with respect.

Environment

A number of issues were raised which included the development of a traffic management strategy, littering and the need to maintain green open spaces.

Health

The need for a new resource centre was raised along with concerns about health, particularly for the young and the old.

Community Safety

The need for greater visibility of community policing and the role praying can play in reducing crime in a neighbourhood.

2.1.4Whitley Bay Forum Area

The key issues from Whitley Bay forum area surrounded:

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• Transport
• Education/Learning
• Youth
• Community
• Environment
• Community Safety
• Deprivation

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The group also felt that deprivation ran through all sustainability needs.

The following is a summary of the key priorities, in order of importance. A comprehensive note of all comments made during the workshop is compiled in Appendix D

Hot Topics

Transport

For remote areas such as Backworth and Shiremoor there were concerns surrounding the lack of public transport and the lack of integration between different public transport providers. Suggestions included better transport links, ‘estate minibuses’ and the need for a joined up approach.

There is considered to be a need to develop more cycling routes and to better maintain those that already exist.

The lack of car parking in Whitley Bay is a concern along with increasing traffic congestion (particularly in Whitley Bay itself) and the need for additional traffic calming measures.

Education/Learning

The need to encourage more informal learning which included raising individual education aspirations and raising the status of vocational qualifications. There is little or no support or promotion of informal learning. The need to develop community learning and a support centre.

To consider the use of facilities held within the new schools, particularly Marine Park First School, as a community resource where meetings for other groups could be held e.g. Scouts.

Community

A number of issues were raised surrounding ‘sense of community’ and ‘community cohesion’.

Other Topics

Youth

Need for youth facilities and the need to review the cost and timetabling of existing facilities.

Environment

A number of issues were raised in relation to regeneration and housing density which included affordability and diversity of housing. As well as concerns about increasing populations which was strongly linked to transport issues. A need for better change management. There is considered to be tension between the ‘dormitory town’ and evening economy.

Community Safety

Concerns centred around the nightlife culture including youth drinking culture and ‘boy (and girl) racers’.

Deprivation

The need to raise awareness of pockets of deprivation and to change perceptions.2.2Priority Workshops

Methodology:

Once again, within each group there was a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 35 individuals. Groups were then further divided into sub groups of 5-7 people. Each sub group was asked to consider the present state and desired state in relation to the council’s key priorities namely; environment, supporting people from all sections of the community, working together and young people. The facilitator then gathered the groups back together and summarised the key issues.

Each member of the workshop was then given three red dots and asked to stick them on whichever issues they, as individuals, viewed as the most important. They were encouraged to use the dots as they wished e.g. using one dot per issue or all three dots on one issue, putting the dots on one particular issue or “voting” for a broad topic area. The topics with the highest numbers of stickers were fed back to the final debate as the priorities from each group.

A detailed summary of each of the workshops follows. It is essential that the detail is not lost within generalisation so the following pages, as well as the verbatim comments in the appendices, capture this.

2.2.1Environment

Within the Environment workshop the group was asked to consider within their sub groups the following key themes:

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• Open spaces
• Transport
• Housing
• Crime

• Waste, litter and graffiti
• Other - to note down anything they felt had not been covered

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The following is a summary of the key issues. A comprehensive note of all comments made during the workshop is compiled in Appendix E.

Open Spaces

The priority identified by the group was to retain and protect our open spaces. In respect of parks we need a vision for their future.

There is a problem of under-age drinking in parks. It was felt that designating parks as alcohol-free zones should be considered along with increasing the number of park wardens.

The other issues that were allocated dots are:

• Dog exclusion zones should be considered and the provision of dog toilets in designated areas
• Self-seeding trees are a problem - there should be more pruning and lopping of trees

• Encourage the use of the river and sea as recreation spaces.

Transport

Anti-social behaviour and safety on the Metro was prioritised. It was felt that this could be tackled through the provision of more Nexus staff on trains and at stations, and the installation of barriers.

The other main issue was the cost of public transport - it is too expensive. More should be done to subsidise it and it should be free for over 60’s.

Of the other issues raised the ones that gave most concern were:

• The lack of provision for cycles on the Metro
• That public transport in general wasn't frequent enough
• Restraints should be placed on commercial vehicles using residential streets
• Taxi legislation should be revised.

Housing

Low-cost housing for those on lower incomes was identified as the top priority.

Many other issues were raised but three were given equal priority. These are:

• Modernisation of council and private housing
• Environmentally friendly materials should be used in all new buildings
• The need for property that is appropriate to the population - for the elderly (accessibility) and the young

Crime

Due to the public feeling threatened; vandalism and groups of teenagers roaming around the streets it was felt that more community policing by increasing the number of community beat officers was needed. However, there was also concern that there are 'perceptions' of juvenile behaviour which are not true for all young people.