Lockdown can't stop Lockleaze community

Thursday night hosted a crowded community forum, no less passionate despite having to be on zoom. With over 60 residents, and representatives from local schools and churches, it was a great opportunity for the community to come together to discuss key issues such as the developments that are taking place, the infrastructure needed to support the massive increase to the community, concerns about the environmental impact of all the developments, and concerns about a rise in knife crime as disaffected youths are targeted by gangs and glamour, to carry knives in their community.

Despite some tricky and emotional topics the strength and community spirit was strong, one resident “what I’ve learnt is that mostly people are kind and supportive and tonight was a great reminder of that”.

In addition to using zoom, the forum tried out google jamboards in place of flip charts and and sticky notes to capture comments as a record of the discussion groups - see pictures below for the discussion points and slides from the main presentation can be downloaded here.

Key headlines of the night

  • Major concerns about developments without appropriate infrastructure (community space, space to socialise, space for young people, opportunities for jobs, traffic management and calming measures)

  • Major concerns to green space and ecological impact of developments (particularly Bonnington and Dovercourt Road Developments)

  • Lockdown has been hard on young people and an opportunity for criminal child exploitation - many knife carriers are victims and we need a community response with a major focus on youth and play activity

Useful information

  • Fill in the Census this Sunday (or now)

  • Make sure you are ready to vote

  • Deadline for early ideas for Community Infrastructure Levy to get to Councillors by 5th April

  • Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust have produced a leaflet of all the development in the area to keep residents informed of all the development in the area shown on the night and posted to residents soon

  • Community Led Housing proposal submitted for planning

  • Respond to Local Lettings Policy survey here

  • Respond to Dovercourt Depot consultation here

  • Respond to Cameron Centre consultation here

  • Respond to proposal for Romney Avenue small site by Stoke Park here

  • If you attended the event and would like to fill in feedback or equalities monitoring form we would be grateful

  • For further information contact info@lockleazent.co.uk

Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust