A
massive community event called ‘Planning for Real’ will take place on Saturday
31 October in Jardine Crescent. The first of its kind in Coventry, it will give local
people the chance to put forward their ideas of how they would like to see their area
improved.
Ward Councillor John Mason, a trained Planning for Real facilitator who will be there
on Saturday said,
"This is an exciting opportunity for people of all ages to get really involved and
put forward their ideas on how they would like to see their area around Jardine Crescent
improved. Everyone sees their area in a different way, but everyone shares the same common
ground of living in the place its self. Planning for Real allows local people to influence
what happens in their area in the future and I hope as many people as possible will find
10 minutes or so to pop along and make a contribution. I promise, everyone’s ideas
will count."
The event will take place between 10am and 4pm in a marquee on the green next to the
shops in Jardine Crescent. A large 3D model, made by local school children, will form the
centre piece of the day. Bug enough for people to identify their own front door and at the
same time take a birds eye view of where they live, the model will allow everyone from 5
to 105 to get involved in a unique, hands on way. The event, organised by City Development
will address the issues of poverty, access and safety which are key issues of the Coventry
Community Plan.
More than 300 ‘flags’ will be provided, so people can place them on the model
to express their views and pin point exactly where they think there should be change
– this could include traffic calming, children’s play facilities and new benches
and litter bins or they could be used to identify problem areas such as vandalised or
derelict buildings. There will also be plenty of blank flags so people can write down
their own ideas. Every idea placed on the model will be noted in a written report which
will form the basis of an action plan for the project. Copies of the plan will be
available for everyone to read.
Other activities taking place include musical entertainment, exhibitions and an
electric car for adults, as well as face painting, balloon modelling and a puppet show for
youngsters. Ward Councillors, experts from the City Council, Area Co-ordination Team,
Residents and West Midlands Police will be available to answer questions and give advice.
There will also be a free creche facility for children aged 3 to 8 at the Jardine Crescent
Day Nursery.
