Neighbourhood Renewal Forum for Pennines launched

Date published: 12/05/2006

The new Neighbourhood Renewal Forum for the Pennines township in Rochdale borough had its launch today with more than 40 residents and agency representatives in attendance at Birch View Community Centre.

Clint Street, Community Secretary for Birch View TRA welcomed everyone to the launch and explained that the new Forum will ensure that action is taken on residents' major concerns such as crime, jobs, the environment, health, education and housing.

Collaboration with service providers will ensure that Neighbourhood Renewal is top of everyone's agenda, and grass root concerns are addressed.

Neighbourhood Renewal in Pennines covers the most deprived estates; Cloverhall and Bellshill, The Cray, Smallbridge and Birch View. Mohammed Naeem, the Chair of the Local Strategic Partnership Board, welcomed the setting up of the new Forum, and pledged the support of the LSP in tackling key issues on these estates. 

Local agencies also pledged their support at the meeting, and said that they looked forward to working together with the forum in the future.

Jackie Stewart, RoFTRA Community Support Worker, who had talked to over 1900 children and young people in Neighbourhood Renewal Areas throughout Rochdale, highlighted their views.  She said that many young people complained about lack of facilities in their areas and lack of support and interest from the adult world - it is hoped the new forum will make this a top priority for action."