An informal gathering of St Denys residents, to discuss issues of concern such as crime, but also billed as a ‘meet your neighbour’ opportunity and a chance to talk about ideas for the future, takes place on Tuesday, April 30.
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It appears to have initially been inspired by a number of recent crime reports, particularly involving break-ins to vehicles and safety issues around St Denys railway station, and councillors and local police are expected to attend.
But organiser Helen Trimarco-Ransome said that while chatting to local people online she realised there was “a need for our community to come together – not only to address some current issues with car crimes in the area but [also to] try and provide a physical get together of locals to achieve lots of positive things”.
She said: “When I have worked with communities in the past I found that the more informal we make meetings, the more people are likely to get on board. I suppose this supports busy modern lifestyles and doesn’t feel so much of a requirement but something they’d like to be a part of.
“With this in mind, I’d like to see it evolve into whatever the community wants or needs it to be. An opportunity to meet your neighbours or getting groups organised to develop various community focussed events, supporting each other in practical ways etc.
“We will have the local police and councillors at the first meeting for advice and opportunities to talk about local issues but also for support for our community. We have lots of ideas coming forward for new art projects, a group to work around river based issues and ideas on how to make the river better for users, who knows, we might have enough support and skills to hold another festival!”
Helen stressed it’s a public event and everyone is welcome to come along and share their ideas or listen to others and get to know other local residents.
It takes place from 7.30pm on Tuesday, April 30 at St Denys Church Centre. The Facebook event is here.
Pic: L. Weedy