Review of Workington Community Action Plan

January 2002 to August 2003

Covering the Neighbourhood Forum areas of Harrington & Salterbeck Moorclose & Westfield Workington Central

Contents

Section I Introduction Page 2 Section II Workington Regeneration Strategy Page 4 Section III Neighbourhood Forum Structure Page 5 Section IV Community Action Plans Page 6 Section V Forum Priorities Page 8 Section VI Community Chest Grants Page 9 Section VII Role of the Healthy Communities Page 12 Focus Group

Diagrams and tables 4.9 Review of Community Action Plans Page 7 6.8 Process for Application to the Page 10 Community Chest Fund 6.9 Summary of Grants made by the Page 11 Community Chest

Appendices Appendix 1 Discussion of forum priorities in; Pages Harrington & Salterbeck Forum 13 Moorclose & Westfield Forum 16 Workington Central Forum 19 Appendix 2 Information on Grants to; Pages Harrington & Salterbeck Forum 21 Moorclose & Westfield Forum 26 Workington Central Forum 30

1 Section I

I. Introduction 1.1 This document is an update of the 2002 Workington Community Action Plan, and covers the period from January 2002 to August 2003. The Community Action Plan reflects the views of local people who are involved in the three Neighbourhood Forums that cover the Workington area which are Workington Central, Harrington & Salterbeck, Moorclose & Westfield. 1.2 Community Action Plans were developed as a means of informing the Regeneration Programme in Workington. The Workington Partnership successfully applied for £7.5 million from the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) in June 2000 to address the problems of; Long term and consistently high levels of unemployment and joblessness Significant inequalities in both health and education attainment in the most disadvantaged wards The fear of crime, levels of poverty and the widespread environmental deficit throughout the urban area Low levels of community engagement and available support so that local groups have the capacity and leadership to revive their own neighbourhoods. Community Action Plans were used as a key foundation in deciding on the priorities for investment of the Regeneration Programme. Information on the Regeneration Strategy can be found in Section II. 1.3 One of the major factors contributing to the success of the bid for SRB funding was its strong record of consultation with individual residents and communities in Workington. This was achieved through surveys and open consultation events. However the primary means of consultation was, and has continued to be through Neighbourhood Forum meetings. 1.4 A separate consultation exercise was also undertaken with young people to determine their needs and aspirations for the future of the town. The findings were published in the Workington SRB Youth Strategy . Although the work was separate from the consultation in the forums, many of the issues overlap and inform some of the forum priorities. Representatives from the young people’s forum – “Youthtastic” which was developed as a result of this report, will attend neighbourhood forums on a regular basis to share ideas and information. 1.5 Neighbourhood Forums were established in 1993 by Cumbria County Council as a means of consulting with local people. The role has now become much broader and they are recognised as the means of consultation on the progress of the SRB programme, and by the Local Strategic Partnership in its plans for the future development of the area. Details on Neighbourhood Forums can be found in Section III 1.6 Community Action Plans are developed by each Neighbourhood Forum. A forum planning group for each forum has met to review the priorities set in earlier years and to make recommendations on amendments or changes

2 Section I

that may be needed at this time. These recommendations were discussed at the Neighbourhood Forum meetings and revised priorities have been agreed for each of the three areas. Information on how the Action Plans were developed can be found in Section IV 1.7 Details of the revised priorities for each forum area are shown in Section 5. Details of the discussions held at the forum meetings can be found in Appendix 1. 1.8 To enable local groups to contribute to the delivery of the Community Action Plan, funding was identified to build the capacity, skills and facilities for people in the local area. This fund is known as the Community Chest. Details about the Community Chest, how it is managed and who can apply, can be found in Section VI. Information on grants made between January 2002 to August 2003 under the forum priorities can be found in Appendix 2. 1.9 When the SRB programme was developed, it was recognised that support would be needed to enable the Neighbourhood Forums to be fully involved in the delivery of the Community Action Plan. As a result a Focus Support Group, which later became known as the Healthy Communities Group, was set up to ensure that the management structures, financial resources and levels of support dedicated to the operation of Neighbourhood Forums are adequate. This group consists of partner organisations and community representatives from the forum areas. Section VII gives details of the brief of this group.

3 Section II

II. Workington Regeneration Strategy 2.1 The biggest investment of new funds in the Workington area is through the Workington Regeneration Strategy. This is described in detail in the document – “Regeneration Workington” in which a successful bid for support from the Single Regeneration Budget was made in June 2000. 2.2 The sum of £7.5 million was obtained to spend over 5 years, and the strategy plans to deliver the regeneration of Workington through the following three interlinked programmes of activity. A). A Vibrant Economy : – to improve the Town of Workington as a place to do business and develop the skills of the workforce by; Supporting the creation of a vibrant town centre that satisfies the needs of Workington, West Cumbria and attracts visitors to the area. Increasing the employability, vocational attainment and access to the labour market, particularly for young job seekers, older workers and the disaffected or hard to reach Strengthening Workington’s economy by promoting new business start ups, supporting existing businesses attracting inward investment and improving business support B). Healthy Communities: – to tackle social exclusion in Workington by; Assisting community groups and individuals to make a substantial contribution to the regeneration of Workington Improving health and reducing levels of inequality in health and access to health care and health education. Creating and retaining more wealth within the most deprived communities and reducing benefit dependency Increasing levels of learning attainment and reducing levels of inequality in access to education and training C). Living Environments: – to tackle the environmental deficit brought about by industrial decline and issues of community safety by; Ensuring that Workington has a network of social, cultural, sports and leisure facilities that is accessible to all sections of the community. Improving the quality and appearance of the built environment, through enhancement schemes and by encouraging high standards of design in all new developments 2.3 Consultation with the local community has been a vital part of informing how funding should be invested in the area. This has been achieved through the Neighbourhood Forum Structure by enabling consultation with local communities. This led to the adoption of local Community Action Plans in the late summer of 2001 which were crucial in helping to decide how funding should be prioritised under the programmes of activity identified above. The revised plans will inform future priorities in the coming year.

4 Section III

III. Neighbourhood Forum Structure 3.1 Neighbourhood Forums were set up across Cumbria in 1993 by the County Council. This was part of its democratic structure to give local people a platform to meet with their local representatives. Forums were a place for local people to discuss issues and express their concerns and ideas for improving their area with their County Councillor. 3.2 Initially there was one forum for the whole of the Workington area. In 1999 the role of the forums were reviewed and separate forum areas were designated in Workington to allow better local consultation and feedback on local needs in response to the SRB strategy. The forum areas included within the Workington SRB area are; Workington Central – comprising the old wards of St John’s (including Stainburn) and St Michael’s Harrington & Salterbeck - comprising the old ward of Harrington (including Salterbeck) plus the parish of Winscales. Moorclose & Westfield - comprising the old wards of Moorclose and Westfield. 3.3 The Forums meet four times per year and each have developed differently to reflect local needs. They all have a common purpose of being inclusive to a wide range of views. They are keen to encourage the involvement of local people and organisations including; All individual residents of the community who live in the Forum area All elected representatives from within the Forum area from each of the three tiers of local government Representatives from voluntary groups active within the Forum area Representatives from statutory and non-statutory agencies actively working within the Forum area 3.4 A major role for the forum is to act as a means of providing feedback on the needs and wishes of the local community. This was achieved through the development of Community Action Plans which have been used by the SRB programme and the Community Chest to inform their investment in the local community 3.5 Neighbourhood Forums have also been recognised as the consultation vehicle for the Local Strategic Partnership. This will enable new ideas to be shared with local people, and their views obtained on services for the future. 3.6 In addition to having a consultative role, each Neighbourhood Forum was given devolved responsibility for the award of grants to voluntary or community organisations within its area from the Community Chest Fund. Criteria for the grants include the priorities identified for each area in its Community Action Plan.

5 Section IV

IV. Community Action Plans 4.1 Individual Community Action Plans have been developed for each Forum area. The objectives of the action plans are to; Identify and support the development and provision of services by community groups and voluntary agencies in the area Link the forums to the decision making process for the mainstream SRB projects so that they can provide an essential community focus Develop links with mainstream service providers such as health, education, housing, police etc. This will enable them to work in partnership to influence service delivery and future priorities to meet gaps in service provision. 4.2 The original Community Action Plans were developed by a Planning Group of volunteer residents from each of the forum areas. They took into account the consultation work carried out in the local community by the Forum Planning Group and needs identified in response to the SRB strategy discussed in Section II. 4.3 The group developed Forum priorities which focus more closely on the priorities for action or gaps in service provision in the local area. These were discussed and approved at Neighbourhood Forum meetings and included as part of the criteria for approving grant applications through the Community Chest. 4.4 The priorities have now been reviewed and amended by the Forum Planning Groups. These have been tested out and approved at the forum meetings. (Appendix 1 shows details of the discussions held around the forum priorities at the forum meeting). These priorities are used to inform grants made through the Community Chest fund, and the SRB programme. 4.5 In the last Community Action Plan, local groups submitted ideas for their future development. Inclusion in the Community Action Plan was part of the criteria for funding through the Community Chest. Although local groups were sent questionnaires to identify their priorities for the coming year, there was a very poor return rate and many groups did not feel in a position to predict their future needs. 4.6 In practice many groups who received funding from the Community Chest over the last 18 months were not included in the Community Action Plan. It is now felt to be more appropriate to ensure that applications match the priorities of the Community Chest Fund rather than include their plans within this document. 4.7 To review the success of the grants made between January 2002 to August 2003, we have included a list of grants under the respective priority headings. These can be found in Appendix 2. 4.8 The priorities identified in the Community Action Plans will be taken to the SRB Management Board and Allerdale Local Committee for support by the two major funding agencies.

6 Section IV 4.9 Review of Community Action Plans

2002 Community Action Plan Priorities reviewed by Forum Planning Group

Revised Action Plan Priorities

Neighbourhood Forum Approval

Allerdale Local Committee SRB Board for Support for Support

Revised Action Plan Priorities Adopted

7 Section V

V. Forum Priorities The Priorities identified and confirmed for each of the Forum areas are set out below. The revised priorities will form part of the criteria for grant aid through the Community Chest Fund. A full list of the issues discussed in relation to each of the forum priorities can be found in Appendix 1

5.1 Harrington & Salterbeck Forum Previous Priorities Revised Priorities for 2003/4 Health Healthy communities Youth Youth Community transport Promotion of the area and local culture Local environment Local environment Employment and employability training Employment and employability training and skills and skills Early years and childcare Early years, childcare and families Sport Sport and recreation Older people

5.2 Moorclose & Westfield Forum Previous priorities Revised priorities for 2003/4 Early years /educare /family support Early years /educare /family support activities activities Indoor youth facilities Indoor and outdoor youth facilities Play areas Promotion of the Moorclose & Westfield area Support for small businesses / community Support for small businesses / community enterprises enterprises Pensioners' activities Pensioners' activities with emphasis on services for men Community transport Promotion of community buses and support for volunteers using own cars

5.3 Workington Central Forum Previous Priorities Revised Priorities for 2003/4 Youth provision - development of Children and youth provision – facilities and activities development of facilities and activities Employment and training opportunities Education, employment & training opportunities Improving the environment Improving the environment with specific emphasis on back lanes, and dog fouling across the area Improved health awareness and facilities Improved health, lifestyle and facilities Improved community and other transport Improved accessibility to transport for all Crime prevention Crime Prevention Early years provision Positive promotion of the image of Workington

8 Section VI

VI. Community Chest Awards Workington Community Chest 6.1 The Workington area is very fortunate to share the sum of £145,000 in grants over the last year made up from contributions by the Single Regeneration Budget, Cumbria County Council, Health Action Zone. Match funding is also provided by Allerdale Borough Council and Cumbria Community Foundation. Grants Panels 6.2 Each Neighbourhood Forum has established a Community Chest Fund Grants Panel to make recommendations on how grants should be spent. Membership of the panels is made up of local residents from each of the Forum areas as well as local politicians from the three tiers of local government which include Cumbria County Council, Allerdale Borough Council and Workington Town Council. 6.3 The Grants Panels meet every eight weeks to consider applications for funding from local community groups. Where possible each Panel meeting is made up of a minimum of two elected members and four volunteer community representatives. Attendance at Panel meetings is on a rota basis to ensure as wide and transparent involvement as possible. Grants Criteria 6.4 Each of the Grants Panels share the same Criteria for making awards from the Community Chest Fund and they are: Projects must reflect the aims of one or more of the SRB programmes Projects should meet the Forum Priorities of its particular area Groups applying for funding must be properly constituted Projects must be sustainable Projects must show value for money All projects will be subject to monitoring and evaluation report Who can apply? 6.5 Local Community Groups based in their respective area of Workington. The projects must meet forum priorities that have been identified and incorporated into the local Community Action Plan. How much can be applied for? 6.6 Each application will be considered on its merits in relation to priorities determined by each Forum area and within the total funding available at the time of application. 6.7 The Community Chest Fund procedure recognises three levels of grants: Small/fast-track projects up to £300 – dealt with within 10 days by two members of the panel Detailed projects up to £5,000 – dealt with at panel meetings Major projects over £5,000 – referred to the SRB board for consideration 6.8 Information on grants made by the community chest between January 2002 to August 2003 can be found in Appendix 2.

9 Section VI 6.8 Process for Applications to the Community Chest Fund Applications received by Neighbourhood Development Officer

Fast Track projects up to £300 Projects Over £300 Forum Sent to 2 members of Forum referred to Grants Panel Grants panel meet every 6-8 weeks Recommendation 7-10 days

Criteria for grants Reflects aims of SRB programme Meets Forum Priorities Group is properly constituted Project is sustainable Group agrees to provide monitoring and evaluation report

Panel decide if criteria is met, and make recommendations on approval and amount of grant

If grant recommended If not recommended

Grants £300 - Group referred to Grants over £5000 £5000 SRB Community recommendations to recommendations Support Team for Healthy Communities to assistance with Group for support CCC Area Support re-application if Manager for appropriate

Grants over £5000 recommendations to SRB Board for approval

Monitoring, Evaluation and Review

10 Section VI

6.9 Summary of Grants made by the Community Chest from January 2002 to August 2003

Harrington & Salterbeck Forum Forum Priorities Number Amount of £ Grants Health 6 14,989.00 Youth 13 17,360.16 Community transport 2 1,860.00 Local environment 12 17,056.00 Employment and employability training and skills 1 1560.00 Early years and childcare 5 19,022.00 Sport 10 22,483.00 Total 49 94,330.16

Moorclose & Westfield Forum Forum Priorities Number Amount of £ Grants Early years /educare /family support activities 6 11,906.16 Indoor youth facilities 8 13,638.00 Play areas 7 21,422.00 Support for small businesses / community enterprises 18 41,344.00 Pensioners' activities 2 4,114.00 Community transport 0 0 Total 41 92,424.16

Workington Central Forum Forum Priorities Number Amount of Grants Youth provision - development of facilities and activities 37 56,957.00 Employment and training opportunities 13 15,592.00 Improving the environment 9 20,537.00 Improved health awareness and facilities 11 22,160.16 Improved community and other transport 0 0 Crime prevention 0 0 Early years provision 1 2,763.00 Total 71 118,009.16

6.10 The summary shows that grants have not been made from the Community Chest under all the priority headings. This does not mean that the issues have not been addressed, but may have been funded through the main SRB grants or by other service providers rather than the Community Chest.

11 Section VII

VII. Role of the Healthy Communities Focus Group 7.1 It was recognised that the local Neighbourhood Forums would need support if they were to undertake the role envisaged for it in the Regeneration Programme . As a result the Forum Support Group were charged with ensuring that the Forums were adequately resourced and supported. This group later amalgamated with the Youth Topic Group and the Healthy Communities Focus Group. The terms of reference of the three groups are shown below.

7.2 Terms of Reference FORUM SUPPORT GROUP HEALTHY COMMUNITIES YOUTH TOPIC FOCUS GROUP GROUP Support Forums to deliver Develop idea of Healthy To ensure young Community Action Plans Community into vision people have (CAPs) for Workington every opportunity Provide support to Take wide overview to play as implement and monitor significant role in Provide support to Board Identify gaps and the regeneration Reps commission projects of Workington by Increase attendance and Ensure CAPs the development participation at Forums responsive to of a youth communities strategy. Ensure communication Influence mainstream between Forums/SRB/ funding and services Focus Groups Publicise Regeneration Ensure broader Programme and CAP Regeneration Strategy aims are integrated into and influenced by CAPs Identify resources to give support to Forums to implement CAPs Develop ways to engage marginal groups

7.3 Linkages – Partners The Healthy Communities Focus Group includes a significant list of participants including:

Allerdale Borough Council Impact Housing Association Connexions Lakes College West Cumbria Cumbria County Council Primary Care Trust representatives Cumbria Police Southfield School Derwent & Solway Housing Association West Cumbria CVS Forum SRB representatives Workington GP representatives Groundwork Workington Regeneration

12 Appendix 1 Discussion of Issues Related to New Forum Priorities

HARRINGTON & SALTERBECK

Healthy Communities A healthcare clinic is needed in Harrington Environmental health – need special bins for dog muck, more litter bins, deal with the contamination behind the boat shed Better health promotion needed in area Promote healthy walks More health education – younger people are often more aware of calories and healthy eating than older ones Dog fouling issue needs more publicity. Attendees don’t feel bins would be used Need to start fining people for fouling and publicise cases in press. Dog wardens frequently take people to court, but we don’t hear about it Most dog fouling offenders are persistent offenders People not aware of health risks Most problems happen early morning with people returning from night shift Dog fouling at its worst outside schools

Youth Children’s playground on marina needs updating (Allerdale decided to limit the number of playgrounds. Maryport and Harrington have been left until last. The current location in Workington is easily vandalised, and ABC want it near where people pass by. The Parks department are waiting for construction work on the viaduct to finish before starting work on the playground) Youth club needs upgrading for females and males Harrington needs a dedicated youth worker Have tried to get skate park in past, but failed Want a kicking wall and basketball hoop Youth have money available (£15,000) – if Youthtastic work with Harrington Youth Club it might move on Need to consult young people to ensure playground is what they want. Approach schools about this? The Family Support Centre will address some of these activities, e.g. holiday and weekend provision Input needed to Allerdale Borough Council on the issue Older children want ground to kick a ball about – Victoria Square is being used for this purpose, and this is causing problems for the residents Teenagers area, e.g. a shelter

Promotion of the area and local culture Local Arts Project with schoolchildren – festival held last year and want another this year. This project has been going for 2 years and has received funding. We are currently in Phase 3 of 4. Need signs to local features and heritage trail Getting older people involved in local history – record their oral history on video for future generations. There are 2 local history groups in the area. Harrington Marina needs a brown heritage sign marking it

13 Appendix 1 Discussion of Issues Related to New Forum Priorities

HARRINGTON & SALTERBECK

Local environment Local shore area (North Shore harbour) – shame for wildlife; needs maintenance/cleaning (Chris Charnley, HMRAG: Millennium Project funding of £100,000 was made available, but the land was too contaminated with toxins and the money had to be returned) Harbour facilities – ongoing work is good and funding has come to fruition. HMRAG meet in the Social Club every 2 months – would be nice to have more attendees at these meetings. They will do a leaflet drop to let people know what’s going on. Dog fouling bad on Church Road Beach needs cleaning Beck (River Wyre) needs cleaning Need help with back lanes and facelifts to property (work has been done in Workington but seems to have stopped at Mossbay) Need good lighting at backs of houses Communal areas needed for people to meet and talk – stone benches are too cold Brewery needs cleaning up (Understand that a legal notice has been served on the owners and they have 100 days to comply and repair the building. If not, Allerdale will take legal action. The building is currently unsound.) Some concern was expressed about the welfare of wildlife in the building

Employment and employability, training and skills Are we training people with the right skills? Skills required for employment are changing – are we looking at what skills are required? Are training and skills accessible enough? Is there enough opportunity or promotion of training and skills? Is there enough motivation? Involve the schools more in answering these questions – or they could involve themselves more Many schools offer vocational training Is training sustainable? People move out of the area for university/work and don’t come back Poorer wages Danger of seeing people on training programmes (particularly the young) as ‘cheap labour’

Early Years, Childcare and Families Lack of childcare Too expensive Different organisations do not work together enough Excellent ‘pockets’ of good work, but no-one is pulling it together Lack of anywhere for young people to meet The Family Support Project will address some of these issues.

14 Appendix 1 Discussion of Issues Related to New Forum Priorities

HARRINGTON & SALTERBECK

Sport and Recreation Priority because it’s healthy Channels young people’s energy positively Healthy & positive for older people as well Priority funding for equipment and expansion Gets people out of the house Football and rugby have taken off in the area and this needs to be encouraged and supported ‘Minority’ (e.g. non-traditional) sports need to be encouraged Cycle track needs better maintenance

Older people Exercise (promotion) Encourage over 55s club Security (talks and advice) – e.g. alarms and security lights. Could have as a topic at another forum meeting and get the police along. Modern skills, i.e. computer training (link young and old) Get people away from the TV! Advertising of all events (noticeboards, letters and texts) Need transport for older people Dinner/meal clubs are needed – used to take place in area. Ask St. Mary’s at Westfield how theirs works Age Concern does 2 days a week at Salisbury Court Workington is good for older volunteers – this is a huge resource that needs to be recognised and celebrated Oval Centre has broadband – launch is on 12 March. Centre already has young and old people working together.

15 Appendix 1

Discussion of Issues Related to New Forum Priorities

MOORCLOSE & WESTFIELD

Support for small businesses/community enterprises Location is a problem in the area, particularly for small businesses Funding can be difficult, particularly start-up costs Access to support hard, and can have problems with communication Need professional support networks to help people develop things such as business plans Continual support and development Training Internet access and IT equipment – CVS can help with advice/equipment Publicity Contacts Wire Up Workington project – 160 businesses have benefited from this. More information available from the Regeneration Centre, tel. 01900 64728 ABC – intermediate labour market – provide support for community enterprises and training schemes. Want to appoint a link person to point people in the right direction (info via Julie Wedgwood, ABC – working at Stoneleigh annexe )

Promotion of community buses and support for volunteers using own cars Buses Need multi-group use Time allocation issues –what happens when more than one group wants bus at a particular time? Need to make some profit so buses can be replaced when worn out What are priorities for usage? Insurance issues, drivers and costs Location and control of scheme Existing transport providers Public Transport Development Plan has been written and will be sent out to councillors Own cars Not for profit – only expenses covered Part of running costs Include in business plans Flexibility Opportunities to form friendships between users and providers of the service ‘Family support’ Community-building Issue of this being seen as usurping the role of taxi services

Indoor and outdoor youth facilities What we’ve got Pool and sports centre (Centre needs attention. Some kids have reported problems booking squash, badminton etc without an adult present. Carlisle Leisure are taking over the sports centre – Tina will pick up booking issue at a meeting on Monday) Sports pitches Frostoms/Westfield kick-about

16 Appendix 1

Discussion of Issues Related to New Forum Priorities

MOORCLOSE & WESTFIELD

Indoor and outdoor youth facilities (continued) Cycle track (safety issues – people concerned about being attacked. Has only been 1 instance of assault, which happened on the track at night) BMX circuit Community park has teen shelter Derwent and Solway survey will feed in more information on facilities available/wanted Suggestions Cost issues – Passport to Activity’s 10p scheme was a big success Transport to sports centre for children Transport to other sports provision so children can try different things Efficient organisation of transport/trips (e.g. by youth workers) so children can access activities and grow in confidence. This also applies to parents. Need paid workers to ensure continuity of service – cannot keep relying on volunteers as they do not have the proper training and are likely to ‘burn out’ if put upon too much Indoor facility needed, such as a drop-in centre

Pensioners’ activities with emphasis on services for men Need social activities for men, e.g. setting up groups with specific interests such as nature watch or trips out Advice centre Walks for health – rural keep-fit facilities, i.e. swimming/sports Transport to supermarkets Well man clinic – have to go to doctor to access this at present Cooking clubs – how to make easy, nutritious meals. Especially useful for widowers who have never cooked before. Age Concern run this scheme in Maryport Through buses (to Workington and Cockermouth) need to route through Moorclose. No direct link between Moorclose and Whitehaven. People need to campaign for this in numbers and show the service will be used by lots of people. An ideal opportunity for buses would be to take people to West Cumberland Hospital – work out days/times when a lot of people go up to visit relatives Could use community bus and set up regular run if enough people are interested Neighbourhood Development Officer will write to Allerdale Transport Advisory Group on behalf of forum to see if they can help with a through bus service

Promotion of the Moorclose and Westfield Area There is a councillor’s surgery every Wednesday in Moorclose Community House The Community House has computers for public use There is a model club in the Community House The press don’t often focus on the Workington and Moorclose area (in a positive way). Could someone represent us to them? (Sue will develop press release about outcomes of forum meetings) Could be done via newsletter and noticeboards

17 Appendix 1

Discussion of Issues Related to New Forum Priorities

MOORCLOSE & WESTFIELD

Promotion of the Moorclose and Westfield Area (continued) Use the media to promote activities and services both prior to activities and following them (papers, TV, radio etc) Posters in businesses, shops, schools, churches, toddler groups, local community centres etc. Working with organisations, agencies, housing providers to promote the area and activities taking place Increase the profile of the Neighbourhood Forums to encourage community participation

Early years/educare/family support activities Need more family support Easier access to funding Information centre on health issues Saturday club for kids Crèche facilities Support for new parents, e.g. advice on parenting skills, teenage pregnancy, budgeting & finance (such as tax credits) The Family Support Centre will address some of these issues.

18 Appendix 1 Discussion of Issues Related to New Forum Priorities

WORKINGTON CENTRAL

Children and youth provision Childcare is mainly non-sustainable - Funding criteria need to be altered to fund play worker salaries on a long term basis More childcare places need to be provided, and be put in place ready for town regeneration (this is currently being looked at by Cumbria County Council Early Years and Workington Regeneration) Youth groups – need a Youth Service in Cumbria! Voluntary youth workers need more support. Need identified space for a skate park that is accessible and safe for young people – write to Allerdale and express our disappointment that a suitable site has not been agreed with the skateboarders

Education, employment and training opportunities Support in the community to develop professional / personal CV’s More accessible computer education – we have Byte 2 Eat internet café, which older people do not always feel happy using, and LearnDirect at Lillyhall is not accessible to people without transport. Take education to people/community Make training courses flexible for those in employment, including shift workers Diverse training for pleasure/hobby

Improving the environment – especially back lanes and dog fouling It needs to be made clear that the issue of dog fouling doesn’t just relate to back lanes. Back lanes are a HIGH PRIORITY Health issues Fly tipping a problem Gate lanes where appropriate Seek funding from Workington Town Council & lane funds Is there a rota for cleaning dog faeces from pavements? Repairs needed to lane surfaces On-going maintenance needed Could Rangers be employed to ticket people for dog fouling offences as well as parking? People need to be stopped from feeding the pigeons (Bob Scott has the number of someone who deals with pigeon issue) New streetlights should point downwards instead of up – causes less light pollution

Improved health lifestyle and facilities Many pavements are unsafe and raised kerbs cause accessibility problems 2 years ago it was ‘in the pipeline’ to widen the path where the cycle track goes from the harbour, so that wheelchair access would be improved. Rob clarified that the money is there but the work will not begin until Summer 2004 Better street lighting, such as in Gray Street A bus shelter is needed opposite the law courts – there used to be one but it was removed and has not been replaced Agree that priority wording is acceptable for numerous projects/groups Keep existing Greenfield sites, e.g. Curwen Park

19 Appendix 1 Discussion of Issues Related to New Forum Priorities

WORKINGTON CENTRAL

Improved health lifestyle and facilities (continued) Need more bins, particularly along walking routes and cycle lanes By improving facilities, opportunities arise for different activities to be undertaken Improvements make Workington more attractive to visitors. More cleaning of facilities, e.g. the park and cycle path. The cycle path is currently littered with glass and not maintained enough by Groundwork. Lighting is poor, particularly at the Westfield Road end. Vulcan’s Park has improved – people clear up every Saturday and Sunday morning now School meal changes are unacceptable – for many children the school dinner is their only meal of the day

Improved accessibility to transport for all Speed of traffic presents a problem for the elderly and disabled Access across Washington St is difficult now – improvement is needed with the new town centre development Water gulleys across pavements – as CCC replaces them they are being upgraded to mesh topping to ease wheelchair progress, but others not requiring work are not being addressed. Parking on pavements results in them cracking. Action against this needs to be taken! Wider knowledge is needed for community buses, e.g. how to book. Find out and circulate information on Muncaster Microbus and how it works. Roads are too narrow for people to park cars outside houses on new estates – this is a planning issue. Transport is an issue for all, not just the disabled! Increased difficulty in getting bus timetables now the office has closed in the bus station. Tables can be picked up from the council’s one-stop-shop in Finkle Street Should have timetables at bus stops You cannot buy a bus ticket to London, Manchester etc. without going to Cockermouth to get it!

Crime prevention This should be included in 2003/4 list as it is still a priority Facilities needed to tackle drug problems – better policing / better support for addicts

Positive promotion of the image of Workington Yes, definitely! Preserve past, record present, inspire the future Involve all age groups in heritage Beautify the town landscaping and art Publicise the town and its advantages and history Develop pride in the area Promote tourism Honour past and present talented people Link names of the environment to local interests, e.g. the Greendragon, not Washington Square – names should be pertinent to the town!