Economic development and social regeneration

Neighbourhood Renewal Officers are working on the development of Neighbourhood Action Plans (NAPs) with local residents, local stakeholder organisations and council colleagues to define priority actions for neighbourhood improvement and to set a timetable for the delivery of social regeneration activities. These are founded on the priority needs described by local residents and are related to the need to enable access by the local community to the benefits of the wider regeneration of Medway. The NAPs therefore provide concrete and tangible social regeneration actions based on the needs identified by local residents.

NAPs are monitored and overseen by local neighbourhood partnerships or by community forums, working alongside Medway Council. They are resourced by a combination of external funds and existing resources from the stakeholders.

How and why are priority areas identified?

Some neighbourhoods are affected by higher unemployment, lower incomes, poorer environments and other disadvantages. Neighbourhoods are selected according to a national statistic called the Multiple Index of Deprivation.

NAPs have been drawn up for the All Saints, Brook-Lines, Strood South, Twydall and White Road Estate areas.

What is a neighbourhood?

There is no exact definition of a neighbourhood and they vary in size. A neighbourhood could be defined by:

• natural dividing lines, such as roads or rivers;
• housing patterns and ownership;
• services such as education or social care, transport links or community centres;
• different communities or groups of people who live in different geographical areas.

What are the stakeholder organisations?

These are organisations that provide services in the area and include:

• police;
• fire and rescue services;
• primary care trusts;
• private companies;
• the voluntary and community sector;
• housing associations;
• social housing providers.

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