Council’s pilot project on estate shortlisted for community award
A council’s pilot project which worked with residents to make their estate cleaner, greener and safer has been shortlisted for an award.
Greenwich council is in the running for the Community Involvement Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Award for its work with the Woolwich Common Estate.
Councillor Averil Lekau, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport said: “It’s been inspiring to see the transformation of the Woolwich Common Estate, so it’s amazing to be recognised for the council’s hard work on this project.
“The project not only transformed the look of the estate, but also improved residents’ physical and mental wellbeing, fostering a greater sense of community.”
The Community Involvement Award is for councils which demonstrate community engagement by co-designing services with residents to meet their needs.
The Woolwich Common Estate Improvement Project, in partnership with the Greenwich Cooperative Development Agency (GCDA) and DG Cities, inspired residents to take more control of the safety, security and look of their estate.
Over the course of 12 months, residents got involved in gardening, educational workshops and several clear-up days resulting in 10.5 tonnes of rubbish being collected from the neighbourhood.
TARU Arts collaborated with residents through workshops for families and children to produce artwork made from recycled materials to display on the estate.
Alongside workshops, the council installed more bins to reduce littering and fly-tipping and increased Community Safety Enforcement Officer patrols following reports of increased levels of anti-social behaviour on the estate.
Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement said: “This project demonstrates how councils can effectively work with communities to deliver impactful and sustainable change that addresses real challenges.
“As a result of this community engagement work, residents reported that they felt safer on their estate, with cleaner spaces and increased patrols contributing to a greater sense of security.”
The winners of the LGC Awards will be announced at a ceremony, on June 11, at Grosvenor House.
Pictured top: Woolwich Common Estate residents drumming up a celebratory mood (Picture: Greenwich council)