Ryelands in perspective

Residents on the estate have been extensively consulted over a period of two years about the plans agreed at the meeting of the full council on the July 11, 2001. Throughout the development of the regeneration plans, residents have been consulted at all the key stages, and residents have been kept informed through newsletters, letters and home visits.

The chief housing officer has spoken to a representative of the 'group' at length about the plans to ensure that Ryelands has a future. These plans include; using the £4.3million improvement budget the council will be making substantial improvements to the Council-owned homes on the estate, and improvements to the estate environment with particular emphasis on making better provision for children and young people on the estate, and improving community safety.

The council, with other key agencies - the Police and Youth and Community Services, is putting together a package of measures and initiatives to ensure its main priority - that Ryelands is a safe neighbourhood in which people wish to live and stay.

The much reduced number of homes to be demolished is key to the objective of providing the space for the facilities the estate requires. The demolition of properties is not just only linked to providing much needed community space but is also a necessary response to falling demand for council housing across the district and for the successful regeneration of Ryelands.

The council is properly supporting all the people directly affected in the area of demolition and a package has been put in place to ensure the Council meets any reasonable costs arising out of moving. The council believes it is only proper and reasonable that this happens given that these tenants have agreed to move for the benefit of the estate as a whole. All the costs relating to the demolition and relocation are covered within the £4.3 million budget available

for the investment in the estate.

The 'Ryelands Against Demolition "group" complain of people being visited "on numerous occasions by council officials". Are we now being criticised for consulting and informing too much?

The city council is keen to continue to talk to all sections of the community about the progress now being made and has been trying to arrange a meeting with the Ryelands Against Demolition "group" and the Ryelands Tenant Action Group but all sides, including the 'Ryelands Against Demolition "group", but has had difficulties in identifying a date and time when everyone would be able to attend.

To support the implementation of the regeneration plan for Ryelands the Council has agreed to establish a 'Community Forum' that will meet regularly over the next few years to enable the Council, and other key agencies, to report on progress and consult further as the plans are implemented. All residents including the Ryelands Against Demolition "group" and Ryelands Tenants Action Group will be invited to attend these forums.

In addition, the Ryelands Tenants' Action Group is a properly constituted local residents' group that is recognised by the council and other key organisations for consultation purposes. The 'Ryelands Against Demolition "group" can attend the open meetings of the Ryelands Tenants' Action Group and voice their views.

Every year the Ryelands Tenants' Action Group also elects its committee members - again here is an opportunity to get involved.

The council would like to see the Ryelands Against Demolition "group" using their energies to take an active part in the community structures on the estate.

Hopefully, out of all this, we all share common ground that Ryelands has a future.

Peter Loker

Director for Community Services

Lancaster City Council