Social Audit... Research Findings - Conclusion

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2.8         2       Conclusion

This community audit has researched the views of the communities of Treorchy, Ynyswen and Cwmparc on a wide range of issues that impact on the economic and physical regeneration of the area. The views expressed have been clear and have emerged with consistency in all the components of the audit. The conclusions and recommendations in this report have been based very much on these views and have brought together community based opinion to offer strategies that would enjoy the support of community members. 

Promoting the regeneration process is significantly hampered by the lack of Communities First status in a local authority which is facing the major task on implementing the Communities First process in 17 wards. It will be easy for area such as Treorchy, Ynyswen and Cwmparc to become overshadowed by that process. The existence of an active Regeneration Group should ensure that does not happen. However, it is important that the Group works actively with the local authority and most importantly develops a strong working relationship with the appropriate Area Regeneration Partnership Co-ordinator. Ideally, they should be asked to attend meetings of the group.  

The recommendations in this report also suggest new and additional areas of activity for the Regeneration Group. This will inevitably impose added burdens on the Group. It is suggested here that where possible the Group should develop a devolved structure in which special Subject Groups are created which in turn report to the main group.

In conjunction with this a recruitment drive should take place to encourage wider membership. The Subject Groups can provide members of the community with special interests to become involved without committing themselves to the wider and more daunting task of regeneration. It should also be noted that, in general, formal committee structures are not conducive to securing community participation and there is opportunity in the Subject Groups to explore less formal and more activity based models of participation. These can include specific task groups as well as standing subject groups.  

The strong sense of community spirit coupled with the natural environmental assets of the area provide a fertile ground for regeneration. The commitment of the Regeneration Group is a vital ingredient in the process.

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