Background
Northcourt
Estate is in the Riverside Ward of Gravesend, an area of high deprivation
and social exclusion. The
estate has lost a number of local services including the public house and
local shop. Local perceptions
of the estate are very negative and the presence of a caravan site located
to the north-east has an inordinate influence on this perception. There is a tendency for fly tipping in the vicinity and
occasional incidences of illegal site occupation.
Scheme Objectives
 | Reduce
the number of road accidents
|
| Lower
traffic speeds to walking pace
|
| Reduce
the number of abandoned vehicles
|
| Reduce
the number of anti-social incidents
|
| Reduce
the number of abandoned properties
|
| Reduce
vandalism on the estate
|
Impacts
The
impact of the scheme in Rose Avenue was the creation of community spirit
and a sense of ownership has been developed. However
in Thistle Road no appreciable impact has been achieved because of
sustained antisocial behaviour by a few families in the street. This
has resulted in the contractor withdrawing from site, with the scheme
approximately 95% complete. The
most positive impact was the formation of a Residents Association which
provided a better communication vehicle with the Borough Council and other
agencies. Children are now able to play more safely in the street without
the risk of speeding traffic.
Northcourt Home Zone -
Consultation Leaflet |
|
Progress
- March 2005
Rose
Avenue and Thistle Road Home Zones have been completed apart for some minor
landscaping works to Thistle Road.
|
