Youngsters' films highlight East Marsh improvements

TWO films made by local children have highlighted how North East Lincolnshire Council's work has improved the East Marsh neighbourhood.

The youngsters first produced their Neighbourhood Study DVD a year ago, focusing on the views of local children, inspiring and challenging them to give their opinions on what they like and what they would like to change in their local community.

The documentary raised a number of issues relating to parks, rubbish, gangs, grafitti and local amenities. Since then, the council has used the information to help shape and improve the East Marsh area, and these successes have been seen in the children's latest movie -called 'Neighbourhood Study Revisited DVD'.

The children noted how the newly refurbished and painted parks have a better aesthetic appeal and are therefore used with more respect and enjoyed by the wider community. They also pointed out how the upkeep of leisure equipment and the presence of community wardens have spread a feeling of safety throughout the local parks. Besides this, they also mentioned how some of the housing, particularly along Rutland Street, has improved.

The findings of the Neighbourhood Study Revisited DVD will now be used to formulate plans for the neighbourhood working arrangements in the coming years. These films have proven vital in helping local services to understand the measures that must be taken to improve the standard of living throughout our borough.

The scheme is already being implemented in other communities in the North East Lincolnshire area, including West marsh, Cleethorpes, Nunsthorpe, Bradley Park and the Grange.

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for Children’s Services, said: “Often, the voices of our children are the voices that can tell the most poignant stories. I think it is a wonderful idea to involve the young people who actually live in these communities in our plans to improve them.

"Their input has been vital in our past, present and future plans. I commend the professionals who have made such a difference to the East Marsh community in the previous year and hope to see these improvements continue. I would also like to thank all the children and young people who have put their time aside to help us in our task. You’re all a wonderful credit to your communities.”