In safe hands: neighbourhood management governance, Bournemouth

Minority report - representing particular groups

• The youth forum - mainly used by 11- to 16-year-olds, usually meets fortnightly to talk about things that affect local young people. Driving force (and voice) behind Radio XL, a neighbourhood management-funded radio station broadcasting on 106.3FM
• The tenants forum - providing advice and support for the local rented sector, mainly for those renting from private landlords, a group making up 39% of the local population. See below
• The street reps - monitor the cleanliness of Boscombe West and Springbourne's streets, using 'Encams' grading. Standards have risen from an average of C to regular A and B grades. Also carry out surveys of drainage, pavements, etc
• The traders association - core group of around 20 active members from some 500 local businesses. Discuss issues such as town centre management, community opportunities for businesses, and petty crime. Successes include a radio network to alert members to the presence of shoplifters and a database of information on people barred from certain areas or activities, with varying categories of access for confidentiality
• The 50+ group - offers social opportunities but also focuses on issues like health, transport, mental health, education and volunteering. Links with the primary care trust and Age Concern, which has funded training on lobbying skills
• The ground workers - meets twice monthly allowing front line staff working in the area to network, share skills, raise awareness of each others' service and undergo joint training. Rapidly growing membership includes health visitors, police, housing officers and drug workers. Topics for discussion have included a data-sharing protocol and effects of prescription and non prescription drugs
• The black and minority ethnic group - open forum for anyone with an interest in these issues. Though those from an ethnic minority make up less than 3% of Dorset's population, that rises to 10% in this area. One proposal under discussion is a shopfront building for Dorset's Afro-Caribbean residents