The new team who will be working with residents and local groups to make
their neighbourhoods even better places to live has been introduced by
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
From Monday 4 January, the council’s new team of community development
officers will be working across the borough, spending the majority of their
time based in the communities they cover.
Stephen Bate will be the community development officer for Popley East,
Popley West, Chineham, Basing, Bramley, Sherfield and Sherborne St John
The role of the community development officers is to work with residents to
identify what is needed in their areas, for example youth clubs, children’s
holiday programmes, lunch clubs for older residents or exercise sessions to
promote healthier lifestyles.
Part funded by Sentinel Housing Association and Kingfisher HVHS Housing
Association, the team will be a key link to bringing together public bodies,
the voluntary sector, local businesses and the community. Focussing on
helping local communities to find their own solutions to issues, they will
work closely with residents, community groups, schools, churches and local
service providers.
Cllr Clive Sanders, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Development and
Transport, said: “We are putting more frontline resources into communities,
committed to meeting their needs and making a difference to people’s lives.
“The team aims to increase volunteering and community participation, as well
as supporting existing community groups and organisations to meet local
needs.”
Stephen’s first priority will be finding ways of addressing gaps in
community activities that have already been identified. Residents who
have ideas about community projects to benefit their local area are
encouraged to get in touch with Stephen via the council’s contact centre on
01256 844844.