abstract
| - Empowering neighbourhood communities is the name of policy briefing from UK orgnaisation Living Streets offering 8 policies which can help deliver double devolution, and published July 2006. Living Streets argues that communities should be involved in improving their streets for two reasons. First, because they know what they need so services and improvements can be cost effective, a point made by the National Audit Commission. Secondly, because a virtuous circle can be started where local people can make a difference, so their sense of ownership and belonging increases. By getting involved, they build links with other local people and by making the streets safer and more attractive, more people walk and spend time outdoors and informal social interaction increases. That feeds back to the level of commitment people have to making a difference. The Young Foundation among others has amassed research which shows that we continue to need the support of neighbours and communities, especially to support families with children, young people, older people, the sick and vulnerable. And we need to live in good quality environments to reduce road danger, anti-social behaviour, unhealthy lifestyles and the ebbing away of shops and services.
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