Residents across Norwich are being invited to take part in a series of walkabouts to see how they can work with the city council to improve their area.
This week sees the launch of a new programme of 48 walkabouts across four neighbourhood areas in the city.
The aim is to produce 'hotspot' maps every three months of ongoing or repeated issues such as persistent fly tipping, graffiti or antisocial behaviour, which affects the quality of life of people in an area.
The local neighbourhood team will then contact a local resident or community group to invite it to co-host a walkabout, agreeing the date and location as well as the priority to focus on.
Residents will then be invited to the walkabout and any issues raised will be recorded by the neighbourhood manager, who will work with its teams, other departments or partner agencies, such as the police, to resolve it.
A feedback report will be sent to residents a month later to provide a summary of the discussions, activities and outcomes that have resulted from the issues raised, to date, and any further work that is planned.
Bob Cronk, head of local neighbourhood services says: 'Everyone is welcome to attend their local neighbourhood walkabout, whether they can just spare a few minutes or attend for the whole session.
We think this will be a really effective way of working with local people on local issues, learning more about what is important to people and how they think improvements can be made including the role local residents can play. We look forward to seeing you there.'
Nigel Browne chair of Norwich Residents' Forum says: 'Having been consulted with from the early stages, I am very pleased with the proposals for the walkabouts. The Norwich Residents Forum, which concentrates on neighbourhood issues, welcomes any proposals which improve the effectiveness of walkabouts'.
This month's meetings are: Thursday May 12, 4pm, Dragon Hall, King Street, Carrow Road, Rouen Road, Music House Lane
Wednesday May 18, 2pm, Corner of Birkbeck Road and Keyes Road Birkbeck Road, Birkbeck Close and Keyes Road.
Thursday May 19, 6pm, Fourways community centre, Beecheno Road, Gilbard Road and Stephenson Road.
Monday May 23, 6.30pm, Greenfields Community Centre, Ives Road and Bussey Road
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