We are committed to listening and acting on what you tell us – the real test of good engagement is ensuring it informs change and improvement. We can’t always act on what you say - there are lots of issues that Councillors have to consider and balance when making decisions. These include central government policy and guidelines, resource constraints, complaints information, as well as the views of local people. The views of local people will always be considered, but decisions may also reflect these other issues.
Here are some recent examples of where what you’ve told us has informed our decisions and led to change.
Waltham Forest's future
What you said
Between January and March 2008 we consulted with you about the future of Waltham Forest to help inform our Sustainable Community Strategy. As part of this you told us that improving the cultural offer in the Borough was a priority, including developing a cinema.
What we are doing about it
As part of the new Sustainable Community Strategy, we are committed to:
- Transforming Walthamstow Town Centre into an asset for the Borough, with quality shopping, healthy businesses and workspace, leisure, an iconic market, cinema, and vibrant day and evening economies
- Promoting the development of a vibrant cultural offer and promote public art, to give public spaces identity and interest
You can find out more about the SCS by visiting www.walthamforest.gov.uk/ourplace
Walthamstow West Community Council
What you said
Residents at Walthamstow West Community Council raised concerns about litter in the vicinity of the sixth form colleges in the area. The Community Council voted to spend £2,000 of the annual community fund (in 2007/08) on an anti-litter campaign to raise awareness of littering.
What we are doing about it
The Council agreed to match fund this amount and manage the campaign. A three-way partnership was formed with Walthamstow West Community Council and Waltham Forest Environmental Services jointly inviting Sir George Monoux College and Waltham Forest College students to develop a campaign to tackle litter around the colleges. A two-minute DVD ‘Don’t litter, the price is bitter’ was produced by five students. This was launched at the colleges’ induction week and also used throughout the year in tutor groups.
Leyton and Whipps Cross Community Council
What you said
Residents attending their local Community Council raised the issue of illegal gambling and the sale of counterfeit DVDs at the Leyton Mills Shopping complex. This had led to local people feeling unsafe in the area and was detrimental to the shopping amenity.
What we are doing about it
The local Safer Neighbourhood Team listened to the concerns of residents. The SNT worked with the Council to find a solution that would provide extra police resources for the area. At a subsequent Community Council meeting the SNT reported that regular patrols of the area were being conducted until a solution could be found. Longer term three additional police officers have been provided specifically for the Leyton Mills shopping area and these have been funded by local businesses.
» Find out more about Community Councils and their successes
Young people in the Borough
What you said
Young people told us that they wanted a specific website for young people who live or study in the Borough
What we are doing about it
We developed and support www.forestflava.org.uk - the website for local young people and a way for them to find out about what’s happening in their local areas.
» To read more about the impact and outcomes of community engagement for 2007/08
» To read more about the impact and outcomes of community engagement for 2008/09
