Hope for Eastbourne

Love your neighbourhood

Did you know that the Borough of Eastbourne has been divided into 21 Neighbourhood areas? This has been an initiative of the police to encourage their neighbourhood policing strategy. Each area is setting up a Neighbourhood Panel which has the task of finding solutions to issues in their area. These may include crime and disorder matters, but their purpose is to address all kinds of issues that concern local people.

Most panels comprise people who represent others. These may be reps of Residents' Associations, friends of local parks, schools, businesses, Community centres etc. Councillors, local PCSOs and community development workers will often be there.

Each meeting, typically held quarterly, usually seeks to identify three issues of concern each time. Some can be taken immediately to something called the ‘Joint Action Group' (JAG) where public agencies can often bring an immediate solution. Other issues need longer term strategies. The vision is that local people are at the heart of local change.

To find out more about your Neighbourhood Panel look up:
www.eastbournenp.org

Churches together for Eastbournwe has been asked to find people who would be willing to play their part on the panels.

We are looking for people not to defend the interests of the Church but to show how the Christian Community can contribute positively to their wider community.
Ideally they should:

Live, work or attend church in the area.
Have a good understanding of other churches in the area, besides their own.
Have the good interests of their local community at heart.
Be able to speak up and get involved when necessary.

If you are already on a panel or think you would like to serve, please contact Martyn Relf, chair of Churches Together for Eastbourne, via www.hopeforeastbourne.org or on 01323 638744.