Latest News
20th November 2009
New agreement set to bring residents together
NEIGHBOURS in Blacon have agreed on the standards of behaviour they should expect from each other.
The residents in Byron Close – working with Muir Group Housing and PCSO Melanie Johnson – have agreed on what is acceptable behaviour in their neighbourhood.
Research suggests less than half the population can name between one and five neighbours but Muir Group Housing hopes their good neighbourhood agreement will encourage everyone in Byron Close to be more thoughtful.
The social landlord also hopes the agreement will encourage residents to become more actively involved in the community.
Jenny McCracken, community housing officer at Muir Group Housing, said: “The good neighbourhood agreement is all about creating a community that people really want to be part of and show pride in.
“By consulting with residents, young and old, we have been able to find out exactly what they like and dislike about the area they live in.
“From discouraging children to play ball games in the street to encouraging residents to get to know one another, the agreement will aim to help all the residents in Byron Close to live their lives in a safe and peaceful environment.”
After extensive consultation through residents’ meetings, surveys, door knocks and a special rounders tournament for the children in the close, an outline of the agreement has been drawn up which sets out standards of behaviour.
Some of the key points covered in the agreement include:
- The use of foul language
- General manners towards neighbours
- The dropping of litter
- Encouraging children to play ball games responsibly
The agreement will be monitored by Muir Group Housing and it is hoped that new residents moving into Byron Close will sign up to the agreement when they begin their tenancy, helping them to settle in and immediately feel a part of the community.
Jenny McCracken added: “Although the agreement has not yet been finalised it is already having a positive effect. We are now getting regular resident involvement in the close and empowering people to solve their own problems.
“The document doesn’t replace our tenancy agreement, but outlines how residents are committed to showing care and consideration for one another.”
