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Estate project faces the axe
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| Project co-ordinator Alan Foulkes |
A pioneering scheme which has helped turn around an Oxford estate will close next week after running out of cash.
For three years the Barton Community Development Project (BCDP) has had £134,000 of National Lottery money to boost community spirit and provide training and youth facilities for people in Barton.
It has helped in the redevelopment of Underhill Circus, found cash for community projects and been credited with cutting crime.
Project co-ordinator Alan Foulkes, who will lose his job along with two other development workers, said the Barton Bash summer event would have to be downscaled.
He said: "The danger is a project like this happens and there is nothing to follow up. Things could go backwards, which is what we don't want because there has been real progress. It will be a big loss. The project was a voice for the area."
The project was formed in 2005 to implement the Barton Community Action Plan, a seven-step scheme to improve the area devised by the estate's residents.
The lottery cash paid for staff and running costs, and neighbours have seen benefits including after-school and youth clubs.
Mr Foulkes said £20,000 was needed to fund a new 20-hour per week co-ordinator who would in turn find more funds to keep improving the area.
In December, a bid for funding from a trust fund failed, but early last week Barton Community Association began talks with Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council.
Sue Holden, secretary of the association, said: "If there is no future funding all the good work that has been done will fall by the wayside. It will all have been in vain. Barton has improved hugely and a lot of that has been down to the BCDP. We would be a lot worse off had they not been here."
Last night mums at the gates of Bayards Hill Primary School hoped more funding would be found.
Lisa Pardy, from Claymond Road, said: "The summer playscheme made a big difference because I'm a working mother. It has definitely improved things."
Project volunteer Chaka Artwell added: "This project has been tremendous. It has changed lives and changed aspirations."
Area sergeant Yak Teladia said: "I definitely think the project has assisted in reducing crime. We have had a lot less problems with antisocial behaviour and the perception of crime has gone down."
6:42am Wednesday 26th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: alan page on 9:43am Wed 26 Mar 08
Why is the council not helping out with this?
Too busy granting permission for more coffee shops in Summertown?
Why is the council not helping out with this?
Too busy granting permission for more coffee shops in Summertown?
Posted by: Joe, Marston Road on 10:10am Wed 26 Mar 08
Just how many of these pioneering schemes are there?
Barton residents must have a difficult decision to make as to what to do each evening.
The bottomless pot has scrapped the bottom at last!
Just how many of these pioneering schemes are there?
Barton residents must have a difficult decision to make as to what to do each evening.
The bottomless pot has scrapped the bottom at last!
Posted by: alan page on 10:17am Wed 26 Mar 08
At least they are trying to sort their own problems out rather than expecting help to come from "hard working tax fiddling drug abusing decent" people.
Can't the local Unions club together or something or are they too busy defending the rights of drug dealers to ply their trade in such places?
At least they are trying to sort their own problems out rather than expecting help to come from "hard working tax fiddling drug abusing decent" people.
Can't the local Unions club together or something or are they too busy defending the rights of drug dealers to ply their trade in such places?
Posted by: DanOxford on 10:43am Wed 26 Mar 08
Anyone else bored of Alan using every post on here to air his personal problems rooted in his family history of drug abuse?
I think it's a bit rich him hijacking this forum to baselessly accuse Oxford residents of behaviour that he's admitted those close to him are guilty of.
Anyone else bored of Alan using every post on here to air his personal problems rooted in his family history of drug abuse?
I think it's a bit rich him hijacking this forum to baselessly accuse Oxford residents of behaviour that he's admitted those close to him are guilty of.
Posted by: Tasha, Witney on 10:45am Wed 26 Mar 08
Blimey. For once I agree with Alan! These projects are the things which change and area from a pit to a community.
Blimey. For once I agree with Alan! These projects are the things which change and area from a pit to a community.
Posted by: sick of you!, here on 12:59pm Wed 26 Mar 08
I actually agree with Alan Page for once,(I must be ill).People are trying to help themselves and as usual all they get is the big kick in the teeth. The council don’t give a **** about Barton – a swimming pool with no Gym facility…what’s that all about. A community centre with no community activates going on, the roads look like a war zone, 4 shops for the whole estate, no pub (Blackbirld leys has at least two, and as for Summertown…well, pubs, coffee shops galore, M&S...you name it)…just goes to show. Oh I forgot, Baton residents got that big ugly, waste of millions worth of Hamburger of a roundabout didn’t they.
I actually agree with Alan Page for once,(I must be ill).People are trying to help themselves and as usual all they get is the big kick in the teeth. The council don’t give a **** about Barton – a swimming pool with no Gym facility…what’s that all about. A community centre with no community activates going on, the roads look like a war zone, 4 shops for the whole estate, no pub (Blackbirld leys has at least two, and as for Summertown…well, pubs, coffee shops galore, M&S...you name it)…just goes to show. Oh I forgot, Baton residents got that big ugly, waste of millions worth of Hamburger of a roundabout didn’t they.
Posted by: DanOxford on 1:32pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Agree with Alan on what?
Who are these 'Unions' that he wants to club together?
How are people in Barton sorting 'themselves out' rather than relying on 'tax fiddling drug users'? (bizarre!)
On the first point, I understood the money was from the National Lottery, not Barton residents, and presumably (although who knows?) Alan refers to Oxford Council tax payers in the second nonsensical statement.
Once again, Alan presumes to be the 'voice of the people' when he doesn't even live in Oxford, succeeding only in patronising Barton's residents while taking another dig at his perception of the rest of Oxford's population.
This isn't some conspiracy by Oxford residents against Barton's regeneration- it's a funding decision by the National Lottery, who presumably fund other needy schemes nationally and do not exist to take money from deserving groups in order to run courses in tax dodging and drug- taking for Oxford's 'bourgeos' as Alan would have us believe.
The man's a deluded idiot blinded by his own repetitive agendas to make any sense.
Agree with Alan on what?
Who are these 'Unions' that he wants to club together?
How are people in Barton sorting 'themselves out' rather than relying on 'tax fiddling drug users'? (bizarre!)
On the first point, I understood the money was from the National Lottery, not Barton residents, and presumably (although who knows?) Alan refers to Oxford Council tax payers in the second nonsensical statement.
Once again, Alan presumes to be the 'voice of the people' when he doesn't even live in Oxford, succeeding only in patronising Barton's residents while taking another dig at his perception of the rest of Oxford's population.
This isn't some conspiracy by Oxford residents against Barton's regeneration- it's a funding decision by the National Lottery, who presumably fund other needy schemes nationally and do not exist to take money from deserving groups in order to run courses in tax dodging and drug- taking for Oxford's 'bourgeos' as Alan would have us believe.
The man's a deluded idiot blinded by his own repetitive agendas to make any sense.
Posted by: Simon, Barton on 2:58pm Wed 26 Mar 08
It is a real pity about the Barton community development project coming to an end.
There have been many good things over the past few years from its work.
There are still things to be done:
1. The Barton Safeguarded Land is to be developed with 'mixed' development. The noise polution of the A40, the environment and the transport issues will need solving.
2. Barton's Pavilion was the only top priority in the Council's own review of all football provision across the city, so that is another project for the community that needs community voice.
3. There is a Community Cafe starting soon at the Neighbourhood Centre.
4. Community development is not just facilities, it is about discussions and listening, about empowering people to take choices and come together for the collective good.
[bold]I sniff an election coming up in early May - Barton voters will want to see what the party candidates are offering.[/bold]
It is a real pity about the Barton community development project coming to an end.
There have been many good things over the past few years from its work.
There are still things to be done:
1. The Barton Safeguarded Land is to be developed with 'mixed' development. The noise polution of the A40, the environment and the transport issues will need solving.
2. Barton's Pavilion was the only top priority in the Council's own review of all football provision across the city, so that is another project for the community that needs community voice.
3. There is a Community Cafe starting soon at the Neighbourhood Centre.
4. Community development is not just facilities, it is about discussions and listening, about empowering people to take choices and come together for the collective good.
I sniff an election coming up in early May - Barton voters will want to see what the party candidates are offering. Posted by: alan page on 12:09am Thu 27 Mar 08
Perhaps the IWCA could field a candidate?
What is needed is more community spirit and cooperation. That is the only way REAL change will happen.
Perhaps the IWCA could field a candidate?
What is needed is more community spirit and cooperation. That is the only way REAL change will happen.
Posted by: alan page on 12:44am Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]DanOxford[/bold] wrote:
Agree with Alan on what? Who are these 'Unions' that he wants to club together? How are people in Barton sorting 'themselves out' rather than relying on 'tax fiddling drug users'? (bizarre!) On the first point, I understood the money was from the National Lottery, not Barton residents, and presumably (although who knows?) Alan refers to Oxford Council tax payers in the second nonsensical statement. Once again, Alan presumes to be the 'voice of the people' when he doesn't even live in Oxford, succeeding only in patronising Barton's residents while taking another dig at his perception of the rest of Oxford's population. This isn't some conspiracy by Oxford residents against Barton's regeneration- it's a funding decision by the National Lottery, who presumably fund other needy schemes nationally and do not exist to take money from deserving groups in order to run courses in tax dodging and drug- taking for Oxford's 'bourgeos' as Alan would have us believe. The man's a deluded idiot blinded by his own repetitive agendas to make any sense.[/quote] This guy for example would be a great candidate for the "Empowering drug dealers ("hey, Cocaine is less dangerous than a bowl of sugar guys" and criminalising the sale of mini kites and skirts" party.
He can tell us all what to think on various topics as well.
DanOxford wrote:
Agree with Alan on what? Who are these 'Unions' that he wants to club together? How are people in Barton sorting 'themselves out' rather than relying on 'tax fiddling drug users'? (bizarre!) On the first point, I understood the money was from the National Lottery, not Barton residents, and presumably (although who knows?) Alan refers to Oxford Council tax payers in the second nonsensical statement. Once again, Alan presumes to be the 'voice of the people' when he doesn't even live in Oxford, succeeding only in patronising Barton's residents while taking another dig at his perception of the rest of Oxford's population. This isn't some conspiracy by Oxford residents against Barton's regeneration- it's a funding decision by the National Lottery, who presumably fund other needy schemes nationally and do not exist to take money from deserving groups in order to run courses in tax dodging and drug- taking for Oxford's 'bourgeos' as Alan would have us believe. The man's a deluded idiot blinded by his own repetitive agendas to make any sense.
This guy for example would be a great candidate for the "Empowering drug dealers ("hey, Cocaine is less dangerous than a bowl of sugar guys" and criminalising the sale of mini kites and skirts" party.
He can tell us all what to think on various topics as well.
Posted by: Mr Ison on 1:28pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]alan page[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]DanOxford[/bold] wrote: Agree with Alan on what? Who are these 'Unions' that he wants to club together? How are people in Barton sorting 'themselves out' rather than relying on 'tax fiddling drug users'? (bizarre!) On the first point, I understood the money was from the National Lottery, not Barton residents, and presumably (although who knows?) Alan refers to Oxford Council tax payers in the second nonsensical statement. Once again, Alan presumes to be the 'voice of the people' when he doesn't even live in Oxford, succeeding only in patronising Barton's residents while taking another dig at his perception of the rest of Oxford's population. This isn't some conspiracy by Oxford residents against Barton's regeneration- it's a funding decision by the National Lottery, who presumably fund other needy schemes nationally and do not exist to take money from deserving groups in order to run courses in tax dodging and drug- taking for Oxford's 'bourgeos' as Alan would have us believe. The man's a deluded idiot blinded by his own repetitive agendas to make any sense.[/quote] This guy for example would be a great candidate for the "Empowering drug dealers ("hey, Cocaine is less dangerous than a bowl of sugar guys" and criminalising the sale of mini kites and skirts" party. He can tell us all what to think on various topics as well.[/quote] Coming from a man who only has Kinsey to quote and that is comparing sexual crimes against children to cannabis.
alan page wrote:
DanOxford wrote: Agree with Alan on what? Who are these 'Unions' that he wants to club together? How are people in Barton sorting 'themselves out' rather than relying on 'tax fiddling drug users'? (bizarre!) On the first point, I understood the money was from the National Lottery, not Barton residents, and presumably (although who knows?) Alan refers to Oxford Council tax payers in the second nonsensical statement. Once again, Alan presumes to be the 'voice of the people' when he doesn't even live in Oxford, succeeding only in patronising Barton's residents while taking another dig at his perception of the rest of Oxford's population. This isn't some conspiracy by Oxford residents against Barton's regeneration- it's a funding decision by the National Lottery, who presumably fund other needy schemes nationally and do not exist to take money from deserving groups in order to run courses in tax dodging and drug- taking for Oxford's 'bourgeos' as Alan would have us believe. The man's a deluded idiot blinded by his own repetitive agendas to make any sense.
This guy for example would be a great candidate for the "Empowering drug dealers ("hey, Cocaine is less dangerous than a bowl of sugar guys" and criminalising the sale of mini kites and skirts" party. He can tell us all what to think on various topics as well.
Coming from a man who only has Kinsey to quote and that is comparing sexual crimes against children to cannabis.
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