New steps to get tenants more involved in decisions
Moves are under way to increase tenant participation in the Prestonpans area.
With well over 1,000 council houses in the town, East Lothian Tenants and Residents Panel (ELTRP) is keen to work with local councillors, Prestonpans Community Council and housing staff at East Lothian Council to encourage tenants to become more involved in decisions which affect their lives.
A community newsletter and other publicity will be distributed to more than 350 tenants in the Prestongrange area and representatives of ELTRP will attend the community council's next meeting, March 9, to discuss the benefits of setting up local tenants' and residents' groups.
Reality
Paul Laidlaw, ELTRP's Outreach Officer, said: "It would be great to have a new group set up in this area as it's a priority for both ELTRP and the council.
"A range of support is available for anyone interested and the community really can make a difference by coming together and making change a reality.
"We always provide a menu of options for getting involved so if a group is not the answer then there are other ways to get involved.
"A tenants' and residents' group is a community organisation that can be set up to represent and promote the rights of people who live in the area.
"It will campaign on certain issues that people in the area have in common such as repairs, environmental improvements, footpaths, roads, anti social behaviour and many others."
Powers
Mr Laidlaw said there were many other ways to get involved and influence decisions, such as taking part in a Local Housing Partnership, a decision making body with powers to award up to 30,000 for local improvement projects that meets the criteria.
Local resident and community councillor Wattie Anderson, who has been involved in tenant participation, said: "It's well worth getting involved as you can make a difference by bringing benefits to your community."
Anyone interested can phone ELTRP on 0131 665 9304 or email plaidlaw@ eastlothian.gov.uk
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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