Investors in communities

Following a request by bpha, two Community Action Groups were formed in the Kingsbrook area of Bedford and the Balliol area of Kempston to tackle the issues that matter to local people.

The London Road and Balliol Road Community Action Groups support a pilot scheme, called Investors in Communities (IiC). IiC is a new way of working with residents.

The groups have produced action plans based on improvements local people want. Issues they are tackling include:

Environmental issues
Traffic issues
Young people issues
Policing issues
Transport issues

Members will regularly review whether progress has been made in tackling the issues identified by residents.

In a recent assessment both groups performed extremely well and it is hoped the pilot scheme will soon be extended. The members' hard work and dedication paid off when representatives from both groups attended the liC Award Ceremony at the House of Commons back in July 2005. Both groups now hold IiC accreditation.