Why are you setting up a new Community Group?
Spitalfields is a special place, but it does have issues. As our neighbourhood continues to develop we all encounter the unintended side-effects of this regeneration – including noise, anti-social behaviour, crime, drug and alcohol abuse, graffiti, vandalism etc. These issues need a fresh approach.
What is the aim of the Spitalfields Community Group?
The aim is to improve the quality of life in Spitalfields and Banglatown; to represent and bring together the community, presenting a united front to agencies such as LBTH and the police.
How have you gone about it?
Our first step has been to establish a temporary ‘Steering Group’ of interested residents from Elder, Fashion, Fournier, Hanbury, Varden & Woodseer Streets – as well as Puma Court and Spital Square.
The current Steering Group will be responsible for overseeing the election of a permanent Committee of interested members in the New Year (2012). We aim to have representations from the entire Ward on the Committee so we get the best geographic representation of our area.
We have drawn up a Constitution. The Steering Group is currently chaired by Charlie de Wet with the help of Selina Mifsud, David Gadd, Jon Shapiro and ten other residents.
How will you know what really matters to the members?
Our goal is to take an inclusive, representative and transparent approach to dealing with the key issues – as identified by you. We are launching a Survey to gather your views on the main problems affecting our lives in Spitalfields. The main issues identified will become the Group’s priorities. Our progress will be reviewed at regular member meetings.
Aren’t there other community groups already?
There are a number of other residential groups in the area and these groups already work together on mutual concerns.
Who will be the members?
Ideally we want to reach out to everyone who lives and works here to represent the broadest possible cross section of the Spitalfields community.
