East Enders Change their Future New Cross and Deptford have been on the receiving end of nearly every government urban regeneration scheme since the early 80s. Grants have been made available for housing, open space, the environment - not that the casual visitor would notice. The area's problems are so deep-rooted, apparently, that money has had little impact. But the community spirit refuses to die. This is a part of South London where generations and races mix to create a rich diversity. A NIACE-funded local history project is helping to strengthen people's sense of identity and to create a focus for local democracy - sparking active involvement in future regeneration initiatives. Jess Steele, a local historian and an enthusiast for the area, runs the New Cross Project from tiny offices in the old Deptford Town Hall - now owned by Goldsmith's College - and the first floor of a converted house in New Cross Road. She has been helping to write the Borough of Lewisham's bid under the government's New Deal for Communities which, if she's successful, could bring in £50 million over 10 years. Local history volunteers are an integral part of raising people's awareness of their community and its needs. Jess explains, "We have trained 25 volunteers in community research and we publish a newsletter, the New Cross News. The events we've run in schools, libraries and community centres have got people sharing ideas." Collecting baseline data, the New Cross volunteers are building up information on local demographics - the numbers of lone parents, unemployment figures, the state of the people's health, for example. The project is focusing in on four of the most deprived neighborhoods around New Cross Gate to give the fine-grain picture that is missing from borough statistics. By raising people's awareness of local issues - like heavy traffic on the A2 and flexible childcare schemes for single women, the New Cross Project is building a framework for community involvement. Jess Steele believes that in the next tranche of urban regeneration, local people will be better able to vote on where it should be spent. Sustainable regeneration, she believes, will have a real impact on generating employment and improving people's lives. NAME: Magpie Resource Library BRIEF: To enable residents to contribute more to discussions affecting their lives TARGET GROUP: Residents of New Cross estates, especially retired and unemployed people FOCUS: To establish a training programme so residents can participate in local regeneration initiatives GRANT: Major MANAGED BY: NIACE

Back

Home

Next