Cantle report: Background to its launch (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Cantle report: Background to its launch

9:00am Friday 8th May 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(1)

THE Cantle report marks the latest chapter in the borough's attempts to tackle the divisions between its communities.

In 2006 the 100 Voices campaign was launched, which saw a number of meetings held between people from different backgrounds in an attempt to break down race divides.

It culminated in a major debate at Ewood Park, attended by equality chief Sir Trevor Phillips and Blackburn MP Jack Straw.

After political control of the council changed hands in 2007, the scheme shifted emphasis under the new ruling coalition of Conservative, Lib Dem and For Darwen parties.

The new Neighbourhood Voices debates took place in five different areas across the borough with the aim of setting aside cultural differences to find common ground in day-to-day local concerns like traffic and anti-social behaviour.

Following on from Neighbourhood Voices, Ted Cantle - who coined the phrase community cohesion - was appointed in September and formed a steering group made up of local community representatives.

Between October and March, his team interviewed 90 members of the public and focus groups and community meetings heard the views of a further 250 people.

The research team said they contacted residents and community groups to find as many subjects as possible.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(1)