Fun at Community House Opening

A pioneering new approach to boost community spirit on an estate in Huyton is reaping the rewards after just a few months.

The ‘Guardian Scheme’ on the Finch House Estate in Huyton concentrates on two roads in particular – Sleaford and Filton.

Sleaford Road and Filton Road are the scene of ground-breaking community development following consultation and a forward thinking approach by Knowsley Council.

The developments feature a two pronged approach. Firstly, a Guardian Scheme has been in operation since last November and is now paying dividends.

Advertised as a post in the Housing Department, the Guardian was appointed from a competitive interview process and lives on one of the two roads under his jurisdiction.

David Gleaves was the chair of the residents’ association in this area and took up his post four months ago. His brief is a clear one; to rejuvenate community spirit, act as an on the spot housing manager, deal with problems, arrears etc and liaise with other organisations to develop activities for local people. In short, David deals with community development over and above the bricks and mortar of the traditional role.

Now vacant houses on the two roads are down by 1/3 and houses requiring minor repairs are prioritised.

The area is being further enhanced by the development of a community house. Based in Sleaford Road, the use of this community house will be by and for the local residents with a lead from the Guardian. Early indicators are that the community is enthusiastic about the use of such a resource and have highlighted play activities, welfare benefits advice and education/training activities as potential uses.

The Home Start Scheme, which will operate as a separate entity to the community house, will take over two houses in Sleaford Road and will be used as a home visiting and befriending service and for young mums to socialise and share experiences.