ASTRA
is Born
by Drew Dallen (Resident and ex-chair)
A
handful of All Saints residents have been slowly but steadily
building a relationship with the Council over the last two
years. On 12th November their dreaming and hard work was rewarded
when over 40 people attended the first meeting of ASTRA (All
Saints Tenants and Residents Association) in St. Peter’s
Church Hall.
All Saints
already has £10,000 of funds and we can now apply for
much more if we choose. The building up again of several play
areas neglected or removed by the council was mentioned by
one committee member as important; Carwood’s dilapidated
community building is being discussed as a major issue and
we have been offered daffodils for our public open spaces
if someone will plant them! From the little things to the
big things, there is real partnership beginning here. All
Saints residents, you are part of your community, give us
your ideas and support.
Ellesmere Youth Project were mentioned as important partners
to ensure true community representation. The issue of youth
involvement in the decisions being taken for our community
was accepted as both important and desirable. We look forward
to negotiating ways of working together.
Jean Burley,
Area Manager for Housing Services, who chaired the meeting,
promised continued support from the council until the group
was ready to go it alone. New Deal and BCAF were represented
and offered their support too. This is good news for all Burngreave.
It will be easier now for all other areas of Burngreave to
develop their Tenants’ and Residents’ Associations
(TARAs).
An eight
strong committee with a healthy mix of age, ethnicity and
residents and tenants was voted in, with Jean Wood of Carwood
as the Chair. There will be a newsletter sent out in the Spring
to keep everyone in All Saints informed.
John Clark,
Executive Director of Burngreave New Deal for Communities,
encouraged us all by saying this was the right time to get
involved because the resources are there waiting to help us
make things happen. Thanks to John for making time in a busy
schedule to attend.
Angela
Vennells, our TARA development worker on 273 5566, would like
to hear from you if your area is as yet unrepresented, or
whose organisation has recently collapsed. Angela is very
aware of the difficulties there are, particularly in the first
stages of organising and would like to see all Burngreave
represented equally. Special thanks to Adrian Ford of Housing
and to Angela. All Saints would not have succeeded without
your help.
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