New Deal starts spending

The New Deal Partnership Board have finally approved the first real spending. Twelve projects were approved but particular concerns were raised about the policing project.

Projects approved

Local Centres, Spital Hill

Community Facilities Audit and Strategy

Multicultural Festival

Language Support Agency

Community Schools/Raising Achievement

Adventure Playground

Older People’s Health and Well-being: Handyperson scheme

Promoting Health

Small Grants Fund

Burngreave IT Partnership (Bitpart)

Young People’s Service Plan

New Deal Police Team

Something to see

With just over three months to go in New Deal’s first year 12 projects have been approved, subject to government go-ahead. Although some projects will be paving the way for future spending with feasibility, research, consultation, and partnership development, several projects will be more visible. The Adventure Playground will be building of new kick pitch, the handyperson scheme will be helping older people with house security and repairs, Green City Action will begin organising next year’s Multicultural Festival, the health group will be providing courses and free health sessions for local people.

Most projects were quickly approved but the New Deal Police Team provoked intense discussion. The £1.3 million project is set to start in January 2002 and to run until 2006. A team of 7 Burngreave based officers will aim to reduce crime and improve police-community relations.

Panda-monium

Some questioned buying a £22,000 police car before piloting the project and the failure to include the Community Safety Group in helping decide how the officers are chosen. Board member, Levi Ferguson, refused to give his support for the project, calling it ill-timed. Priority should be given to employment and education, he said. At one point the Police suggested withdrawing the project due to the strength of opposition.

Police team approved?

The board finally approved the project with conditions. Chair of the Board Steve Jones said:

"Support for the New Deal Police Team was agreed in principle, but subject to making absolutely sure that the arrangements are ones which the majority of people in Burngreave feel happy with. Before Christmas we will be having discussions about the exact methods of implementation, and the way in which the community officers will be accountable to the people of Burngreave. All issues of concern on both sides need resolving in full before final approval is given."

The Messenger hopes to bring you more details of these projects in future editions

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