Have your Say!

New Plymouth New Plan

Three years into the Mackey Plan, the landscape of Plymouth is changing. Regeneration and new builds are everywhere and the skyline is trading in the boring 1950’s flat roof monotone profile for a thrusting optimistic race to the clouds, high rise, dramatic and modern.

I think it's great- a new dawn for the city and with plans ahead for substantial growth, the creation of new jobs and business opportunities, the future is exciting and bright.

But hang on a second- there's another side to all this that isn't quite so positive. There are daily reports of assaults, drug-induced crime, communities setting fire to schools, binge drinking, and anti-social behaviour. Six of our secondary schools are failing. Old Plymouth limps on, seemingly unaware that the new day is dawning.

It would appear that while we are tacking the physical and structural aspects of Plymouth, we're neglecting the social and community sides. Perhaps we need a second plan- one to tackle to roots of our social issues, our social and spiritual fabric. We could involve the council, government agencies, the private sector, the faith communities and voluntary sector and politicians but most importantly it needs to be locally owned- for the people by the people.

Do you think this is a good idea? What are the most important factors in turning around our social problems and making the city strong in more ways than its appearance?

Yours,
Gary

posted by Gary Streeter M.P. on Saturday, November 10, 2007