Housing

The past twenty years has seen a massive growth in the number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and shared houses. In parts of Lenton, students account for over 90% of the population, and 50% is common.
Only the areas of council housing and ‘stayput’ older residents mask the fact that the make-up of the area is being skewed towards young, single people.

The quality of the local environment and life in general would be improved if more resources were devoted to the controlling of numbers and standards of HMOs in Dunkirk and Lenton. We also need to find ways to ensure that new housing reflects the requirements of the area - in particular, to allow families and elderly residents to move into or remain in the area.
Comment: The Forum recognises that this is a high priority issue and is seeking ways to alleviate the impact of HMOs.

Another issue is the lack of sheltered housing accommodation for the elderly in the area. This means that people have to move out of the area to find more suitable accommodation.
Action: The Forum has consulted elderly people in the area and will explore ways to resolve the issues they raised.

Health

Health in its broadest sense affects the community in a variety of ways, from the request for exercise classes, to the problems faced by people with disabilities, to the lack of primary care services in Dunkirk.
The area has a history of residents who are disadvantaged through mental ill-health and has its share of drug and alcohol misuse.
Comment: The Forum aims to work with agencies and organisations to give advice and support to those disadvantaged in this way and who may have difficulty engaging with mainstream services. Consultation has already taken place and an action plan has been compiled.

Education and Learning

The Forum works closely with the three local primary schools. Park Ward has the highest number of pupils with English as a second language, at 49%. English as a second language courses have been provided but more targetted provision may be needed.
Amber Projects have been set up in the schools, aiming to increase parents’ participation. Raising educational achievement, especially in secondary schools, is a concern locally and nationally. Ways to support this might be more homework clubs, extra support in schools or working with parents.
Action: The Forum aims to look at learning from a ‘cradle to the grave’ perspective and will develop a Lifelong Learning Strategy for the area. We hope to work with providers of learning, local employers and most importantly residents to find out what the needs are and how these can be met.

Crime

While crimes such as street robbery are rare in our area, burglary and car crime are high. The high numbers of shared houses makes the area a target for burglars - a house with several students is likely to have more than one television, stereo, computer etc, and often will not be as secure as private homes.
The QMC car parks are a hotspot for theft from cars, and other parts of our area, such as Church Square, have seen vandalism and car crime. The fear of crime also determines how and where some people go about their daily lives.
Comment: The Forum wishes to continue to work with the Police and other agencies to tackle crime and the fear of crime in the area.

Children and Young People

The area has nursery, after school and out of school provision through the primary schools and the two Community Associations. The local churches are also very active in providing clubs and holiday play schemes.
There is a lack of provision for teenagers from 11 upwards, and particularly beyond the age of 14, resulting in young people using streets and shopping centre as meeting places.
Action: The Forum is looking to establish a Children and Young People’s working group to look at the needs and to come up with solutions. Work is underway to meet with the providers of services for young people, and consultation with young people across the Forum area is planned.

Work with the Asian Communities

25% of the community are of Asian origin, and following consultation there are issues that have been highlighted, such as lack of use of mainstream health provision, isolation and depression among the elderly and access to information and services.
Action: The Forum will seek to address these issues and to encourage participation.