New Ashbourne Road Church Community Suvey
4 November 2011
Bowls Club Challenge 2011 - one example of a number of initiatives developed by the Community Relations team.
With the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics in 2012, it will be a very exciting year for the local community and all its members
”Ian Kemp, Minister of Ashbourne Road Church
Almost 2,000 residents in the Ashbourne Road area of Derby are to be consulted through a survey led by Ashbourne Road Church, the University of Derby and residents, to establish local concerns, problems, possible solutions and any social activities requested by residents. This builds on an original survey carried out by the church in 2007 which led to a series of community meetings between residents, the church, the University and other local services.
Emma Bates, from Ashbourne Road Church said: "The church began this work in 2007 to look at the needs of the local area and what might be done - whether by the church or others. It showed a series of issues for local people, many relating to the University".
Peter Walker, Community Relations Officer at the University, began supporting the initiative in 2008 as a way of strengthening ties with local people and to help ease problems in the community. The work led to commissioning University of Derby graduate Mair Perkins capturing (in a 'time-tree' poster) the range of discussions and actions taken, including; parking, buses, safety, the environment and local community spirit.
After seeing the poster at a meeting in May 2011, members of the community agreed it was time to recognise what had been achieved, move forward and carry out some new research. Peter Walker said: "It surprised us all, what had been discussed and what progress had been made in how we are working together". James Beckett, President of the Students' Union said: "Being involved with projects like these help us to build relationships between local residents and students to form friendly, safe and secure communities".
This new research wants to identify current issues that need to be addressed. Residents have been invited to complete a paper copy of the new survey distributed by the University to nearly 2,000 households in the Ashbourne Road area. There is also an online version available.
Analysis of the data will be done jointly by the University, the church and the community; and openly discussed at a residents' meeting at Ashbourne Road Church on 1 December. A decision will then be taken on what new projects are needed.
Local radio and press have been informed to promote the new survey and encourage participation, the church and University want to promote the project's work more widely across Derby city.
Horace Gregory, a local community member said: "Being a local resident I would encourage everyone to complete the survey and come along to the meeting in December. This is an ideal opportunity to engage with the University to resolve any concerns we have in a positive and friendly way. We also need ideas for social activities within the community".
Ian Kemp, Minister at Ashbourne Road Church said: "With the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics in 2012, it will be a very exciting year for the local community and all its members".
For more information about this Community News story, contact Jason Nichols, on 01332 591945 or email j.nichols@derby.ac.uk
