A conference will look at ways the inner city communiy of Hyde Park can be improved.
As previously reported, the conference will form part of a major drive to tackle some of the social problems blighting one of most densely populated areas in the city.
The conference will look at:
• What are the key challenges?
• How can services better meet the needs of the community?
• How could we improve our communications?
The meeting is open to public services, residents, community groups, voluntary and faith organisations and anyone who knows the area well and wants to see some positive changes.
Following a passionate plea from residents at last July's full council meeting not to ignore the 'hidden deprivation' in their neighbourhood, the council has promised to 'blitz crime and grime' in Hyde Park while a longer-term plan for the area is developed.
Residents have suggested that the area's high population density – the highest in Leeds – and largely young and transient population contributed to a poor-quality local environment, with many properties left uncared for. They also suggested that the high student population masks a hidden layer of poverty among the area's permanent population which has gone unaddressed.
The council says it's looking at a range of issues affecting community life from crime and the local environment to health inequalities and effective communications.
An email to local groups says:
"We are organising this conference to better understand local priorities and develop a neighbourhood improvement plan for the area. The conference is open to anyone with an interest in Hyde Park, for example, community groups, public services, universities, voluntary organisations and faith groups.
"If you can't make the conference, we will be holding evening events for the wider public in the near future."
The event will take place on Thursday 24 March. More details on 0113 3367871.
Guardian Leeds is looking into some of the community issues facing Hyde Park If you know of any service cutbacks in the area, or know of things good/bad happening in the area, or want to trumpet the work of your group or organisation, email leeds.local@guardian.co.uk or comment in the section below.
