What is the project about ?

The Broadgreen Area was officially described in an Environmental Survey (NAJI Report 2001) as being in a 'spiral of decline'.  This area of Swindon located near both the railway and bus stations consists of tightly knit narrow roads bordered by strong, but dull and largely neglected Victorian terraced housing.

The 'Streets for Living' Project, working closely with the local community has tranformed the environmental amenity of sections of four (4) streets and the associated alleyways at the heart of Broadgreen, thus promoting social inclusion, tackling the fear of crime and antisocial behaviour.

What is it achieving ?

Midway through the project period there was evidence that the richly diverse communities who live, silo like, were beginning to show and share common interest in the progress of the new street designs by attending the regular monthly 'Public Information Events' held in the Broadgreen Community Hall, and most importantly voicing their views openly. The opening of a Community Police Point (Wiltshire Constabulary) within the Community Hall delivered an immediate improvement in levels of 'on street' drug activity and antisocial behaviour.

Why are you doing it ?

Before millenium year residents, visitors and local businesses believed the Broadgreen area had suffered neglect by 'those in authority', whilst development investment was directed to the expansion of Swindon as a 'regional centre' rather than improving the town's core areas such as Broadgreen.  The NAJI Report (2001) supported that belief.  Seeking to restore peoples pride in their area was a strong motivation force to apply, during 2003, for participation in Europe's NWE INTERREG lll B Programme.

Why should people care ?

Regardless of background ~ Race or Creed ~ European or Asian ~ Christian or Muslim, everyone wants to live and work in an area that is safe, clean and friendly.  Successful delivery of Streets for Living has ensured all the people of Broadgreen can enjoy that better  'quality of life'.

How does it benefit people ?

During the project's progress all residents, visitors and local businesses benefitted by being involved, whether by reading the Information Leaflets which were regularly delivered through every letterbox, attendance at the monthly Public Information Events or just by talking about the project with a neighbour.  Physical improvements, such as the modernised street lighting, the installation of alleyway lighting and the installation of innovative bollards, designed with the help of pupils at Drove Primary School, are seen by all as proof that ~

'something good is happening'.

What is the most interesting thing the Project has achieved ?

By promoting the slogan 'Better for All' through 2006 and through 2007 'Broadgreen Friendly, Safe and Clean' the project has identified a 'Common Purpose' that is recognised and appeals to everyone.  This has blossomed into a growing recognition across a richly diverse spectrum of communities that by working in partnership with 'those in authority' the present environment in which people live can be improved.

Residents were directly involved with the contractors to monitor progress and discuss concerns.

Has working transnationally made a difference ?

Yes ~ the exchange visits to Hilversum, La Cournuve and Swindon allowed residents to meet and talk with Dutch and French residents, including young people, about the challenges they are tackling and also experience the residential and traffic environment which partners are working to improve.  These experiences led to much robust discussion at the 'Public Information Events' about designs and materials that have been incorporated in Broadgreen.

What are the positive benefits for the people of Broadgreen ?

1. A lighter, brighter, safer street-scape environment where the balance between pedestrians and vehicles is shared.

2. Improved community cohesion, developed through working together in 'Common Purpose' to achieve a successful outcome for the Project.

3. Personal PRIDE in living in an area that has improved through sustained 'patience and commitment' to working in partnership with 'those in authority'.