Over 500 Citizens from across the District took part in a series of events as part of the review of the Fast Forward Community Strategy, which is now 3 years old.  The partnership events were a complete success and took place in Knottingley, South Kirkby, Featherstone and at the Cedar Court Hotel in Wakefield with take up on delegate places being so high that an additional event is to be organised.

The events were compared by Ian Clayton, Writer and TV presenter, with keynote speakers from the Wakefield District Partnership, Chair of the Partnership Peter Box, Cllr. Phil Dobson,  Ken Taylor the Executive Director of Groundwork Wakefield, Mike Grady Eastern Wakefield Primary Care Trust, Margaret Wood first Development Agency for Wakefield District, Chief Suptd Mark Whyman, Chief Inspector Charlie Glass and Chief Inspector Simon Whitehead from West Yorkshire Police.

Citizens were able to give their views on key issues around the five challenge areas of the community strategy that aim to ensure the people who live, work and visit
Wakefield District:

• are safe and feel safer
• are healthy and look after ourselves
• are part of a dynamic local economy
• are skilful and confident by investing in our people and
• live in attractive environments by improving our places

During the event citizens were able to hear about some of the things that have been achieved in 2005.  Facilitators supported citizens who were able to look back over the last two years and discuss what’s been a success - what hasn’t worked so well.  In addition groups discussed what is important now and identified what we need to do more of and what we need to do less of.  A full evaluation of the issues from these workshops will be available shortly.  However a flavour of some of the issues raised is highlighted below.

In terms of looking forward - key issues were around: 

• extending recycling services in terms of small collection schemes rather than visiting big centres
• more Police on foot patrol and Neighbourhood Officers District-wide
• building on the success of Neighbourhood Action, more focusing on education and preventative issues
• mobile police stations have made a difference, however, once they move the problems return, citizens would like to see more use of localised stations based in community sites
• more activities required for young people - we need to listen to what they want and tailor activities to their needs.  Young people are worried about their own personal safety at night.  Young and Old need to talk more to understand each other.
• people in the community want to be involved and would like to see more local events/meetings on local issues
• common interest issues bring people together
• citizens would like to see crime prevention workshops in hotspot areas
• we need to develop the skills in the District making it easier for people to get jobs
• whatever we do in the future we need to listen to each other and work together

 To obtain further information Tel 01924 306769 alternatively email engagement@wakefield.gov.uk