Planning for Real uses simple models as a focus for people to put forward and prioritise ideas on how their area can be improved. It is a highly visible, hands-on community development and empowerment tool, which people of all abilities and backgrounds find easy and enjoyable to engage in.
A large 3-dimensional model of a neighbourhood is constructed, preferably by local people, using cardboard cut-outs for buildings pasted onto a base plan fixed to polystyrene or cardboard. The model is used at pre-advertised sessions held in various locations in the community.
Participants place suggestion cards on the model indicating what they want to see happen and where (eg playground, youth shelters, parking, standpipe, tree, shopping).
The cards are sorted and prioritised to establish an action plan which is followed up by working groups.
In the past training days were attended by a broad cross-section of people living and working in Goole, including representatives of Humberside Police, local councillors and representatives of the Waterways Museum, as well as council officers providing services directly to the people of Goole.
The aim of the training sessions is to equip volunteers from the local community with the skills that they need to help host a series of ‘Planning For Real’ community consultation events planned for the coming months, which will give residents of all ages a chance to have their say on issues affecting Goole. Planning For Real forms part of the wider Advance Goole project and is about improving the quality of life of local residents, as well as tackling the issues that concern them and involving them in planning for a brighter future.
Pupils in years four, five and six at Boothferry, Kingsway and Marshlands Primary Schools have already been busy constructing 3-D models that will be used as part of the ‘Planning For Real’ process. The finished models will be taken back into the three schools in September to encourage the children to discuss issues affecting their communities. Feedback received from them will be used as part of the consultation process.(photo with ERYC's Helena Moss and Marshlands Primary School Head Teacher Mrs J Newby)
One of the models will also be on display as part of the Goole and Howdenshire Local Action Team (LAT) stand at Old Goole Gala on Sunday 17 August so that local residents can take a look for themselves and find out more about how they can get involved in ‘Planning For Real’.
Councillor Paul Robinson, Chairman of the Goole and Howden Local Area Action Team, said: "Planning For Real is a great way of getting residents of all ages to focus on the issues affecting their communities. The aim is to highlight issues of concern and trigger debate about how problems can be addressed to further improve the quality of life of local people. I hope that as many people as possible will take the opportunity to get involved and have their say.”
Anyone who would like to get involved in the Planning For Real workshop on 5 September should contact Michelle Oxtoby on 01482 391471.
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