Earlsdon residents may take on council work in trial scheme

[dutchman]

Taxpayers could be asked to take on work currently undertaken by Coventry City Council if a trial near to the city centre is successful.



Hearsall Residents Association has been established to encourage people living in the area, between Hearsall Lane and Earlsdon Street, to take greater responsibility for their surroundings.

The residents association aims to help the community deal with day-to-day issues, such as putting bins away, litter, fly-tipping and vandalism – rather than relying on the council.

Almost 200 people have already joined the group, which was formed after a petition was set up with the help of Coun Bally Singh, to raise the issue of wheelie bins being left outside on non-collection days.

Coun Singh said that, if the council could successfully hand responsibility over to residents in Hearsall, it could look to target other areas of the city.

“This is not about completely passing on responsibility from the council. It’s a partnership,” he said.

“We don’t want to create a culture of dependency where people always look to the council when there’s an issue.

“If residents have ownership over their community there are benefits in health and wellbeing. This could work as a pilot for the rest of the city.”

Paul Reiss, 48, chairman of the newly formed residents association, insists the group is not about
telling people what to do but working with them to showcase the best of the area.

He said: “The community wants the council to deal with things like bins, graffiti and security gates, but the council can’t sustain that.

“This is about residents using council resources to keep the neighbourhood tidy themselves.

“The council is responsible for some things but you can’t expect to drop litter and have someone else pick it up for you.

‘There should be some sort of social pressure for that sort of thing.”

The retail banker also said it would encourage younger members of the community and students to become active in the group.

“We have put together welcome packs to give to students when they arrive and we want as many people as possible to join,” he said.

“This is about improving the neighbourhood, meeting neighbours and enjoying ourselves.”

The association plans to create public gardens in the area and allow talented artists to showcase work in the area.

[rebbonk]

Bet they won't see a reduction in their council taxes though!

And of course, you'll get your fair share of little Hitlers getting involved so that they can boss people around.