Proposals for services in north west (TNS)

We asked for people’s views on the way that we provide neighbourhood services in the north west area of the city. Our proposals included changing the way that we use community buildings to deliver services. The proposals were drawn up following a previous engagement exercise where we asked for more general views on what neighbourhood services might look like in the future.

That there is good support for some of our proposals, including making improvements to Beaumont Leys Library, keeping New Parks Centre Library and Housing Office, the Tudor Centre and New Parks Youth Centre. That community groups need training, guidance and support so that they understand what is expected of them if they decide to take over the day-to-day running of community buildings. That there are concerns about the proposals for the Stocking Farm Community, Healthy Living and Youth Centre and that alternative suggestions should be investigated. That there are concerns around the consequences for existing groups, if centres change to be managed by outside organisations rather than by the council. That there are concerns around changing the New Parks Customer Services office to an assisted self-service facility. That there are concerns with regard to increased travel distance for some customers where Housing Offices are to relocate.

The proposals have been updated following consultation. Proposals mean that services provided in the north west area of the city are protected. Several buildings in the area will have a new future providing a wider range of neighbourhood services under one roof. We will provide support sessions for community organisations to advise them on how to develop a business case if they wish to take over the running of an available building. We will review the alternative suggestions made with regard to community buildings at Stocking Farm before making a final decision on the buildings at this site. Plans are being developed for all of the buildings that are no longer required for community use. This means that they will not remain empty, but will either be reused, or they will be demolished so that the land can be used for housing development, or ownership of the building will be transferred to another group or organisation. The council will work with existing groups to ensure that their needs are considered when any changes in the arrangements for the management of buildings are agreed. After these proposals have been considered by the council’s scrutiny committee, an executive decision will be made.