Neighbourhood survey sets local priorities

Residents help deliver improvements in the West

Each year the Council asks residents what they think about their neighbourhood and what needs to be improved.

The results from the survey carried out in autumn 2009 are very positive, showing that satisfaction with the way the Council is managing neighbourhoods and frontline services has increased each year.

“We’re committed to really listening to local communities and developing our services to changing local priorities,” said Natalie Hoy, West Neighbourhood manager.

“We know that keeping young people occupied, keeping them safe and giving them something to do is a priority in our area. Working with partners, we have supported a range of local projects including youth cafés, building a bike scheme and installing a new multi-surface pitch and play park in Kirkliston.

“Another great project we’ve started is involving primary pupils in protecting our environment and keeping themselves safe by becoming junior wardens with certificates awarded at the end of their six-week programme. This is now going to other schools across the city,” she added.

“We know that the appearance of our neighbourhood is important. We tackle dog fouling, graffiti and street cleaning and improve local parks.

“More than ever, we’re listening to what local people say and co-ordinating resources with partners to respond to local priorities. It really helps us when the community gets involved so we know if we’re making the difference.”

Need to know

For more information, contact sfc.research@edinburgh.gov.uk or call Davina Fereday on 0131 529 7040.