History : About Birtley Community Partnership In the beginning.... (Page 1 of 2)
In 2002 the Birtley Community Partnership was formed as an umbrella group, with Residents' Associations, Youth Groups, Police, Community Groups, and strong support from all the town's churches with both positive and practical help. As the Partnership was to be non-political, non-sectarian, and work for the inclusion of all people, it was agreed Councillors would be included to support this approach.
The reason for the formation was to take up the Government's challenge for communities to have more say in their area, and what felt to be a decline in the town of Birtley through crime, vandalism and run-down appearance of the Town Centre. So far...
To date, in order to brighten the town we have secured flower tubs and baskets (first time in Birtley); a better display of Christmas lights, and for the last four years we have had a Christmas tree and the last two years a Town Carol Service at the tree with three churches leading the way. In order to curb the dropping of litter, the schools were invited to take part in a Poster Competition. The winning poster is displayed in various areas of the town.
The Birtley Community Partnership was involved in 'Birtley Best Value' run by Gateshead Council, which was the first of it's kind in the country. It is now to be reproduced throughout the Borough. The main point to come out of 'Best Value' was that there needed to be a regeneration of the town centre. Dr Tony Gibson, of 'Planning for Real' fame was invited to acheive this. Models of the town were created, once again using the schools. The models were taken to all areas of the town in a consultation with the people. The response was phenomenal, with adults and children expressing their views on how their town should look and evolve. Training is now underway with 'Neighbourhood Initiative Foundation' to enable us to take the next step.
In 2004 it was found that Gateshead Council has a property on Harraton Terrace deemed surplus to requirements. The Council kindly agreed to release the property to be used as a community facility for the town. Funding was found for plans and a feasibility study.
On 13th December 2005, Dave Anderson, MP for Blaydon gave a twenty-minute talk in the Houses of Parliament on the history of the town of Birtley and work of the Birtley Community Partnership. This led to David Milliband, the Minister of Communities and Local Government, requesting to visit the town and meet with Partnership members. He was able to do this and visit some Residents' Associations and business in the short time (one hour) he could spare out of a busy schedule.
Much has been accomplished, but we believe the main achievment is that we are using local resources and skills, involving friends, neighbourhoods, children and families to take up the challenge to have a say in what happens in our community to shape our future.
There has never been a better time to recreate the communities of past eras, where communities and business worked closely for the good of all.
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