Agenda item

A Motion has been received regarding the Civic Pride Campaign.

A Motion regarding the first anniversary of the Borough’s Civic Pride Campaign was submitted by the Conservative Group, proposed by the Leader - Councillor Simon Tagg and seconded by Councillor Hutchison.

Councillor Tagg introduced the Motion stating that the last twelve months had seen a real effort made for cleaner and safer streets and stronger community engagement right across the Borough.  It had been a partnership with residents, residents groups, businesses, voluntary groups, Police, Aspire Housing, Newcastle Business Improvement District and Council staff.

Activities had included litter picks, green space improvements and tree Planting, graffiti removal, support for vulnerable individuals.  The Motion acknowledged the successes of the first year of the campaign.

Civic Pride showcased the work that the Council and all of the organisations involved did on a daily basis. It was not just about cleaner neighbourhoods, but also about people, place, purpose and working in partnership together.

In seconding the Motion, Councillor Hutchison stated that the first year of the initiative had been well received by the local community and partner organisations and the commitment looked set to continue.

The initiative began in the Kidsgrove area in January and then in June there was a day of action in Wolstanton and May Bank.  October saw a week of action in Newcastle.  In total the Civic Pride Events did 22 days of action, covering all areas of the Borough.

The Civic Pride Investment Fund had assisted groups and projects within the Borough to promote the image of Newcastle as a clean, safe and friendly place in which to live, work and visit.

Councillor John Williams, in supporting the Motion stated that he had found that there was a lack of residents involved and asked that they be encouraged to be involved and take more pride in their area.

Councillor Holland stated that, as he was compiling his report for the North Staffordshire Theatre Trust – at item 8 on this agenda, he was reminded of Stoke-on Trent’s City of Culture bid and, although unsuccessful it transformed the way in which the City thought about itself.  Programmes like Civic Pride could do that.

Councillor Stubbs sked if it was possible for the Council or Portfolio Holder to put out a calendar of events – earlier than the previous one to allow more Councillors and the community groups to attend the events.

Councillor Heesom stated that she had attended several events and that Civic Pride had had a significant effect – especially on community safety and community cohesion.  Silverdale had a bike marking event by the police which was really well attended.  It was supported that, for next year a programme would be set out much earlier and some events could be advertised on the new screen in the town centre.

There was a Civic Pride Investment Fund that people could apply for with published criteria.

Councillor Fear agreed with all that had been said and stated that it had all worked well but improvements could always be made, such as advertising earlier.  This was only the first year and therefore could be built upon.

In summing up, the Leader stated  that there was more that could be done for future events  including encouraging more community participation through social media or other means.   The calendar of events should be made available earlier.  The Leader was pleased that issues such as e-scooters and e-bikes and street racers were being dealt with by the police.

A vote was taken and the Motion was carried.

Watch the debate here