Saints Ward

Saints - The story so far....

'Your Say, Your Way' in High Town began in April 2011. The staff at Saints Community Centre held a film night on Tuesday 7 June 2011, to show residents the ''Your Say, Your Way' DVD and explained what the programme meant for the area and what could be achieved.

We held the Saints Festival on Saturday 30 July 2011 on the green space next to Saints Community Centre. During this event, we were gathering information from the local residents about what they thought of the area and what they want to see changed, improved or to kept the same. To see the information gathered, please see the Mapping Priorities attachment.

We also gathered 150 face to face surveys around the Biscot Ward. The surveys were completed by Police Community Support Officers and Community Development Officers.

The information gathered from the surveys and mapping priorities all played a part in giving us a picture of the ward and what local people want to see happening.

Community Planning Decision Days

We held a Community Planning Decision Day in October 2011 at the Saints Community Centre. The event saw residents come together and meet with Council workers and partner agencies, to discuss their issues and possible solutions. The priorities were then determined from all of the information gathered at the Community Planning Decision Day and all of the events/ activities mentioned above. These priorities will now be taken forward by the Council and its partners at the Luton Forum - including the police, primary care trust, fire and rescue service, the Luton Assembly, other public service providers and the business community.

The top 3 priorities identified for Saints were:

1. Facilitate more community activities for all age groups, especially for young people and to help address local issues
2. Focus on tackling local crime (burglary, drug misuse, and anti-social behaviour - including dangerous dogs)
3. Campaign to improve the image of the ward by cleaning up the area (e.g. business rubbish, dog fouling, litter and vandalism)

Next steps

The latest opportunity for the community, local groups and the voluntary sector to apply for funding has now closed.  The applications are due to be discussed at an Eligibility Panel meeting on Tuesday 7 February, to ensure all projects meet the eligibility criteria.

The Community Funding Decision Day Event will take place on Saturday 3 March 2012 at the Saints Community Centre from 10.00am - 1.00pm. Arrivals are welcome from 9.45am and refreshments are provided (please see advertising below). To book a place at this event, contact Heather James on 01582 548780 or email YourSayYourWay@luton.gov.uk

Want to get involved?

If you would like to be involved with 'Your Say, Your Way' or for further information on the programme, please contact us on the contact details below.