Wardleworth Mela Day 31^ST August 2002

One of the main streets within the proposed Home Zone was closed on 31^st August to encourage local people out of their houses and onto the street to explore and learn about the Home Zone concept.

To publicise the event a glossy leaflet (translated into 3 languages) went to every house in the Home Zone boundary, and notices were posted throughout the area.

To avoid an official Council approach towards the event, the organisers and facilitators wore bright Home Zone t – shirts identifying their role (i.e. designer/translator), and plenty of freebies such as t-shirts, pens, and mugs were available.

The Team used a variety of different techniques to explain what a Home Zone is about, and to get residents to discuss their concerns and suggestions.  These included models and sketch boards, graffiti boards, a suggestion box (encouraging written and drawn suggestions) and a big brother style video diary room.

Other Community groups also joined in the event including the local Housing Association and the British Trust of Conservation Volunteers (who held organised walks to surrounding areas).

The health aspect of Home Zones was also actively promoted by the attendance of the Whizzing Weezers (local asthma club for young people) and the Healthy Living Initiative which operates in the area.  There was also an exercise referral programme which looked at residents general levels of fitness.

 There were plenty of other activities to encourage people to the event including the mobile police station, Fire service, Sky light circus and playbus.  A cricket tournament was held on the street, and a football tournament was held on some adjacent green space. The cycle club also brought along a seven-seater bike, which proved to be extremely popular. A curry lunch was  provided.

Overall the community were very positive about the proposed Home Zone, although a number of concerns were raised about parking availability. Other events will take place over rthe next few weeks to focus local thoughts on more detailed design and implementation issues.

The Consultation team did a fantastic job in organising the day and many thanks are due to them.