Efford regeneration programme hailed a successCheckout the reports here Full report ........ Summary report .....(Harry's tip) The files are quite large so save them to your PC for viewing at a later date. Checkout these and many other reports on Efford and the HECP by visiting the Plymouth City council website A trailblazing regeneration programme designed to breathe new life into one of Plymouth’s most socially deprived neighbourhoods has achieved some remarkable results. That’s the conclusion of external assessors who have just published a report on the Efford Building Communities Initiative launched five years ago.
Its aim was to transform a neighbourhood beset by crime, anti social behaviour and apathy among local residents. With funding due for completion in March 2010, an external evaluation company Local Economy Solutions was commissioned to assess how much had been achieved over the last five years. The company’s findings, published today (24 February), include:
A huge range of measures implemented over the last five years by many different partner agencies pulling together include the opening of a new 24/7 multi-purpose floodlit court, community clean-ups, adult learning courses, a community allotment, fitness classes and new play areas. One of the programme’s greatest successes has been the transformation of the Efford Valley from a ‘no go’ area to an attractive recreation zone enjoyed by local residents of all ages. Councillor Peter Brookshaw, the Council’s Cabinet member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: "The tangible improvements in Efford, both in terms of the physical environment and the community spirit of local people, are quite remarkable and are a testament to effective partnership working."
"There are many challenges ahead not least of which is the need to convince local residents that they can keep the momentum going themselves after the programme ends.” Les Roper, Innovation and Enterprise Commissioning Manager for the South West RDA, said: "We are delighted that our investment and support has helped kick-start the regeneration of Torridge Way as an important first step in helping this local neighbourhood to once again become a strong, vibrant and economically sustainable community. "The key to the success of the project has been the high level of community involvement and we wish the Heart of Efford Community Partnership well in taking forward and building on the work to date with their partners.” |
The £1.9 million programme, which ends next month, has been a joint venture by Plymouth City Council and the South West RDA (Regional Development Agency).
Neighbourhood Regeneration Officer Debbie Burton, whose effectiveness in co-ordinating the work of the many different partners involved in the programme is highlighted in the report, said: "Of course there’s still a great deal of work to be done. But I’m heartened by a new confidence in local people who now feel they have a voice and the ability to change their lives and neighbourhood for the better.
