Community News

February 2006

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The Value of Being a

 Community Rep

Have you ever wondered why people become community representatives? Wondered why they were wasting their time? Well, rumor has it that it is actually a positive experience, and gives them a say in what happens in their community, reports Philip Blakeley of the Pathfinder team. 

Wondering himself if it was myth or truth, he set out to find one of these mysterious community reps. He soon caught up with Margot Rowley, a community representative who also happens to be the Vice-Chair of the Pathfinder Board. Armed with some searching questions, Phil went about the business of finding out how Margot got involved, and why?

So, why did Margot become a community rep in the first place?  

“I saw this as an opportunity to act as a link between the community and Pathfinder. Where I live, people have problems with things such as housing, the environment, crime and health. By attending the theme groups that Pathfinder run, I was able to report directly what the feelings and needs of the community were.” 

And now you are Vice-Chair of the Board!  

“Yes, that’s right. Because of my commitment to the theme groups, Mr Hood, Director of Housing for Kirklees Council, invited me take the role of Vice-Chair. I was delighted. I felt that I had been rewarded for my efforts, but also that I could have more influence in helping the community get what it needs.”     

With the air of an activist who wants the best for her community, who wants others to have greater influence, regardless of race, colour or religion, Margot insisted a clear message be sent out to the rest of the Dewsbury West area:  

“Pathfinder is here to work for the community, but we need an even stronger presence so we can increase our influence. The more community reps there are, the stronger our voice.” 

With little encouragement from our intrepid reporter, Margot went on:  

“I want people to come forward and take part in the theme groups. We need people to be there to ensure that the activities that go ahead are what we want, and not what other people think we should have.” 

So what does Margot suggest people should do to get involved?  

“Give the Pathfinder team a ring and ask them to send some information out to you. They will be more than happy to do so. If you want a chat, talk to them on the phone and arrange a meeting. They will do their best to work around your commitments.” 

Shaking slightly, but still in one piece, our reporter came to a conclusion; that community representatives do have a voice, and by working together this voice can only become stronger. The idea that community reps are wasting their time – not on your nelly!

Is Dewsbury West the Best -

Have Your Say

Young people are invited to ‘tell it how it is’ at a series of events during February half term (Feb 13^th – 17^th) throughout the area. 

A range of art activities such as photography and rapping, and football are just some of the activities on offer as opinions about local health services, community safety and the environment are sought.

Dewsbury West Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder is working with Young People’s Service, LOCA and Heads Together to ask young people from across the area about their experiences of local services. Following the successful ‘Big Event’ at Dewsbury Rams for young people across Dewsbury, local young people are invited to highlight the things that concern them and what they want and need to improve in their area. So if you would like to use photos of the area to create your message or learn how to interview friends like Jeremy Paxman or write rap lyrics, then get in touch.

You will be asked to join in over three days, taking part in a range of art activities and looking at different issues each day in venues across Dewsbury West. Transport will be arranged to make sure that everyone can get there and refreshments will be available. The information collected about what works well and ideas for improvement will be used to influence the future delivery of services with a view to improving the area over the coming years through the theme group meetings at Pathfinder. This is also a way of supporting the Youth 4’em work with Young People’s Service, developing a Dewsbury West voice and making sure we are represented.

If you would like to be involved or find out more please telephone Michaela on 325 213 or send an email to the following address: michaela.howell@dewsburywest.org. Details will be available through Pathfinder, Young People’s Service, Community Centres and Libraries from mid January.

Community Wardens meet Lone Ranger

 Whilst out on patrol around the Ravensthorpe area the Community Wardens, a service previously funded by Dewsbury West Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder, introduced themselves to the new Ranger for Dewsbury.  

What is a Ranger? Rangers form part of a new environmental initiative from Kirklees Council, tasked and equipped to improve your local environment. They can deal with issues including graffiti, litter, fly posting, overhanging vegetation, weeds and general grot spots.

The Community Wardens from Dewsbury West will link in with the Ranger to assist residents in reporting issues of concern that might otherwise get worse over a period of time.  

The Rangers also act as eyes and ears, just like the Community Wardens.  Any job that is too big for the ranger would get reported directly to whoever can take action to solve the problem within other council services.             

Sarah Durdin, Co-ordinator of the project said, "The fundamental idea is see it, own it, deal with it. Our aim is to create a better place for all of us to live. The Rangers would get to know local people and become familiar with local issues.          

The Pathfinder team would encourage local residents to make use of this service. Michaela Howell, the Neighbourhood Officer at Pathfinder, says, “The more residents who report issues to the Rangers or Community Wardens, the more positive the impact is on our local environment. Together we can improve how our neighbourhood looks.” 

Residents of Dewsbury West can report issues to the Community Wardens on 0797 694 1688 (or face-to-face when you see them on their rounds) or to the Ranger on 0800 731 8765.