Community Engagement Team CET•1 year ago The tenants who wrote on the wall told us these things were important to them:What they like about where they live1. Community and Relationships There is a strong sense of community spirit, good neighbours and valuable friendships2. Quiet and Peaceful EnvironmentQuiet neighbourhoods with a calm atmosphere3. Location and green spacesGood access to schools, services and activities, leafy green areas, community gardens and safe parks4. Housing and AmenitiesThe size of peoples flats, homes with gardens and people feeling secure in well maintained homes.What they don’t like about where they live1. Housing IssuesSome homes are too small and crowded, there can be long wait times for repairs, leaky guttering can cause damp and mould. The green spaces can be overgrown and have weeds.2. Waste ManagementFly tipping is cause for concern in Whitehawk, and Piltdown Rd. Some residents feel targeted by repeat dumping. Litter is widespread and the streets are not cleaned regularly. People don’t always stick to rules about bins, the bins can be moved or collection dates changed, and tenants aren’t told. Bins are not accessible for everyone.3. Communication and Council ActionThere is a lack of communication which is frustrating for tenants, some face difficulties in having problems addressed by the council with slow or inadequate action.4. Traffic IssuesThere is speeding and unsafe driving on residential roads. There aren’t enough safe road crossings which makes it dangerous for pedestrians and children.5. Noise and Behavioural IssuesSome tenants are dealing with noisy neighbours, unfriendly and rude, with some people even feeling scared. There are also high levels of noise from cars, children playing. Dog fouling is an ongoing issue in some areas.6. Structural ProblemsRoof repairs and guttering issues have not been fixed, impacting the safety and quality of housing.What people would change1. Housing and MaintenanceSpeed up housing repairs, particularly for pipes, gutters, and structural damage. Invest in housing to improve living conditions. Clear overgrown grass and weeds, take better care of communal areas, including regular litter and waste collection. Provide more bins at the back of buildings for proper waste management and improve pest control.2. Community Spaces and Green AreasCreate more green areas, add flowers, and improve landscaping in residential areas. Create more "pocket parks" and other small play spaces for children. Create more outdoor adult gyms as well as indoor children’s play areas.3. Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and SafetyTougher Action on ASB so residents feel safe. More security cameras over bin areas to prevent fly tipping. Install speed bumps on main roads and better safety signs and pedestrian crossings.5. Council Engagement and CommunicationImprove communication between different parts of the council. Engage with residents proactively to understand and address their needs. Be more transparent about ongoing projects and timelines for repairs or improvements. Listen to and make tenants feel heard, valued, and act on their concerns.6. Recreational and Community InfrastructureProvide more opportunities for children and families, indoor play areas or outdoor spaces. Focus on local centres and facilities to create a more engaged and connected community. Make residential areas more inviting by adding flower beds and greenery.7. Poverty and Broader Social IssuesWork on initiatives to reduce poverty in the community, ensuring basic needs are met for all residents.What is most important to people?· Living in a clean and pleasant area· Feeling Safe· Reliable and efficient public transport· Sense of Community and Connection· Having a Voice and being taken seriously by the council· More volunteers to represent the estate and strengthen resident advocacy· Recycling and Sustainability· Places to Gather and activites that create a sense of togetherness· A nice, positive atmosphere where people feel welcome and connected
