Estate walkabouts strengthen community voice
Gateshead's residents are taking a more active role in shaping their communities through a series of estate walkabouts organised by the council's housing team.
The walkabouts allow residents to join their local neighbourhood housing officer in surveying their local areas, and highlighting concerns such as maintenance issues, including trees, grass cutting, street lighting, and pot holes; as well as environmental antisocial behaviour problems, including littering, graffiti, vandalism, dog fouling, and other nuisance behaviours.
The initiative, which aims to improve communication between the council and residents, has already led to positive changes. By walking through the estates together, council officers can see firsthand the challenges residents can face.
The estate walkabouts take place on every estate in Gateshead, first in April and May, where plans are made for the summer season, and again in September and October, where preparations are made for winter.
Councillor Chris Buckley, Cabinet Member for Housing, who is a strong advocate for community engagement, emphasised the value of the walkabouts in maintaining safe and welcoming neighbourhoods.
"Our estates are home to vibrant communities, and it's essential that residents feel heard. By working together, we can tackle issues like antisocial behaviour and maintenance problems more effectively. These walkabouts give us the chance to listen directly to the people who live on our housing estates, and act on the things that matter most to them."
"I know from residents I have spoken to that have previously joined their local walkabout, they feel more empowered to raise concerns, and have certainly noticed improvements as a direct result of their engagement.
"As a council we are committed to working with local residents to help them thrive. I therefore encourage anyone who's interested to take part in their nearest upcoming walkabout, to make sure their voice is heard, and every neighbourhood remains a place people are proud to call home."
Full details of all our April and May estate walkabouts, including how to register your attendance, are available to view online, with the autumn dates published closer to the time.
Gateshead's residents are taking a more active role in shaping their communities through a series of estate walkabouts organised by the council's housing team.
The walkabouts allow residents to join their local neighbourhood housing officer in surveying their local areas, and highlighting concerns such as maintenance issues, including trees, grass cutting, street lighting, and pot holes; as well as environmental antisocial behaviour problems, including littering, graffiti, vandalism, dog fouling, and other nuisance behaviours.
The initiative, which aims to improve communication between the council and residents, has already led to positive changes. By walking through the estates together, council officers can see firsthand the challenges residents can face.
The estate walkabouts take place on every estate in Gateshead, first in April and May, where plans are made for the summer season, and again in September and October, where preparations are made for winter.
Councillor Chris Buckley, Cabinet Member for Housing, who is a strong advocate for community engagement, emphasised the value of the walkabouts in maintaining safe and welcoming neighbourhoods.
"Our estates are home to vibrant communities, and it's essential that residents feel heard. By working together, we can tackle issues like antisocial behaviour and maintenance problems more effectively. These walkabouts give us the chance to listen directly to the people who live on our housing estates, and act on the things that matter most to them."
"I know from residents I have spoken to that have previously joined their local walkabout, they feel more empowered to raise concerns, and have certainly noticed improvements as a direct result of their engagement.
"As a council we are committed to working with local residents to help them thrive. I therefore encourage anyone who's interested to take part in their nearest upcoming walkabout, to make sure their voice is heard, and every neighbourhood remains a place people are proud to call home."
Full details of all our April and May estate walkabouts, including how to register your attendance, are available to view online, with the autumn dates published closer to the time.
