Cleator Moor residents asked for their views on £12 million Government scheme.

People in Cleator Moor are to be given the chance to air their grievances to political and community leaders in a new £12 million Government scheme.

The west Cumbrian town has been chosen as one of 27 places nationally for a “programme of local intensive engagement” under plans revealed yesterday.

Communities Secretary John Denham announced a programme to “reinvigorate and connect” with communities feeling the most acute pressure from the recession.

Recent changes had led to a “sense of resentment and a rise in insecurity” and created tensions in some communities, he said. These changes included a decline in traditional jobs in predominately white areas, recent migration which was “perceived as having changed communities” and the persistent challenge of anti-social behaviour. Mr Denham said Government was already taking action on these issues but it was important that communities understood that their views were being heard.

He promised support for the training of leaders to hold “honest and open debates” and said people must have the chance to express their worries.

“People must have the space to air their grievances to political and community leaders,” he said.

“If people are afraid to have these discussions on the doorstep, people will have them all the same – but in the pub or at the school gate, where there is no opportunity to get the facts on the table.”

Alongside measures to increase the visibility of more formal leaders, people will be encouraged to act as “community champions”.

“This will help build up the confidence and self-esteem of residents so that they feel that they can regain control over their estates, their lives and their futures,” Mr Denham added.

The minister said he also aimed to raise awareness of opportunities already available in the area, such as jobs and skills, childcare, education and efforts to tackle crime. Each area will draw up plans to address local challenges.

A Communities and Local Government Department spokeswoman said: “For some, the pace of change has led to a sense of resentment and a rise in insecurity and threatens to corrode the cohesion of these communities and create tensions.

“In some places support for the far right has risen. There could be a rise in migration and resentment at the perception that others are getting a better deal.

“Some people are left feeling that ’no one is speaking up for us’.”

She added: “The Government is already taking action on these issues, from tough migration controls and measures to stop unscrupulous employers, to investing in skills and new jobs for young people as well as building new social housing.

First published at 11:35, Thursday, 15 October 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk