Power to the people of Taylor Road, Diss!

The residents of Taylor Road, Diss are on a mission to improve their neighbourhood.

And next Wednesday (12 December) they join South Norfolk Council, Saffron Housing Trust and Police Community Support Officers for a joint neighbourhood walkabout.

The move by Saffon, the Council and the Police will forge even closer ties between local people and those with the power to change things for the better.

And it is being delivered in the most practical way possible when this new partnership with local people moves through the Taylor Road neighbourhood, starting at the Meeting Room at 12.30pm.

Residents will get alongside the various teams pointing out improvements that are needed, and where they can, getting action to sort those out on the spot:

- South Norfolk Council's new environmental crimes team will be tackling litter to keep the streets clean.

- Police and Community Support Officers will be working to keep the streets safe by tackling anti-social behaviour issues.

- Saffron Housing Trust staff will be listening to any concerns residents may have, identifying issues for action and committing to provide feedback to the community.

South Norfolk Council Leader John Fuller said:

"I'm on a mission to join up government. Residents don't care who keeps the place neat and tidy as long as someone does.

"People pay their council tax for us to take our responsibility to make sure all public services pull together for the benefit of residents.

"Clean streets are safe streets and this is just one practical way we're doing this at pavement level."

Saffron Housing Trust Chief Executive Adam Ronaldson said:

"Saffron are committed to improving services in the areas in which we work and achieving this by listening to the views and experiences of residents who live there.

"We have been undertaking these walkabouts in many areas across the district and they are an ongoing part of Saffron’s aim to be more available and responsive to our customers. "Details of walkabouts in other areas can be obtained by contacting our Housing Management Team on 01508 532039 or 532044."

Sgt Ed Browne of Diss Police said:

"This is a positive move by the partnership which enables us to listen to what the people of Diss really want from us.

"I would encourage residents to come out and talk to us. Let us know how we can help the community and help us to identify and further understand local issues.

"The Diss Safer Neighbourhood Team has made inroads in tackling anti-social behaviour in the town recently with particular success following a spate of criminal damages. Sharing local knowledge with our partners and communities is the way forward.”

Last week, in Long Stratton, exactly the same thing happened - the Trust, the Council and local PCSO got together and worked with the residents.

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