Issued by Weymouth & Portland Borough Council in partnership with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Dorset County Council, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Dorset Police, Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, Weymouth College, Public Health Dorset.
Leaders from the council, police, health and other partners have come together to develop a new vision to tackle inequalities across Melcombe Regis in Weymouth. The newly established Melcombe Regis Board has pledged to work together to deliver better outcomes for the community.
The Board has agreed its membership; vision and priorities for action. Its priorities are;
– Deliver a good standard of housing
– Create a thriving community
– Improve the environment
– Help people achieve better mental and physical health
– Increase employment
– Reduce crime
The Board has also agreed to fund a part time Community Capacity Building Worker for Melcombe Regis. This role will be in place for one year and the worker will be out in the community in January 2017, supporting community groups on the ground as well as imputing to the board.
Matt Prosser, Chief Executive of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council and Chair of the Melcombe Regis Board, said “There are complex and interrelated issues that affect parts of Melcombe Regis and it is important that we work together to tackle these inequalities and do our best to improve people’s quality of life. Some of this is about dealing with immediate issues and working with partners already delivering in Melcombe Regis, but a large part of this boards work is ensuring that we plan for, and resource, the changes needed in the future to deliver on all of the priorities for action we’ve developed.
“This isn’t something we can do on our own. It is vital that we share information and identify issues together, in partnership with the public, local communities, our partners and all those that have a role and a passion for delivering services in the best possible way that meet the needs of those who live and work in Melcombe Regis.”
The Melcombe Regis Board is currently working with partners to develop an integrated medium term programme for Melcombe Regis. The role of the public in helping to shape the work is seen as key.
Acting Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Colin Pipe, said: “It is vital all agencies work together to improve issues affecting Melcombe Regis. This board is well placed, with a wealth of experience and knowledge which will really help to make a difference to those who live and work in the area.”
Chief Superintendent Jane Newall, Dorset Police said: “We are committed to building on existing partnership work in Melcombe Regis to make a positive difference to those who live in, work in and visit the area. We welcome the commitment of all partners to ensure that we take this unique opportunity to work with community to deliver long term improvements.”
Ends.
