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| Background | |
 The estate of West View is situated on the outskirts of the town of Fleetwood in the Borough of Wyre in the county of Lancashire. It is the largest estate in the Wyre Borough Council area and experiences and demonstrates a very high level of deprivation and social exclusion evident in Fleetwood. The West View Estate has a population of 5000+. The houses were the property of Wyre Borough Council until the housing stock was transferred to Wyre Housing Association. The estate has very few community facilities and many sectors of the population i.e. older, disabled and young mothers, find it difficult to access services in Fleetwood because of geographic and economy disadvantage. The West View community represents a diverse range of people. The main beneficiaries will be the older people as Wyre has the second highest percentage of single pensioners in the country. Isolation and low income are key issues. In addition to older people, there are high levels of unemployed, single parents and households collecting means tested benefits. Juvenile nuisance and fear of crime are identified issues for many residents. Generally, lack of facilities and accessible services affect the whole community of West View. West View Community Association evolved from the Residents Association and during the past eight years has worked in a dedicated and committed way to develop into an effective team aiming to promote the benefit of people of West View. It works closely with such agencies as Wyre Borough Council, Wyre Housing Association, Blackpool Wyre and Fylde Council of Voluntary Service, Lancashire Youth and Community Association, Health and Social Care Services, local schools and the Community Safety Partnership. It also works closely with local voluntary agencies and has just become a member of the National Association of Hospital and Community Friends. The Management Committee has worked hard to include local residents in their projects and has held open days, consultation events plus many fundraising events, situated on the estate. The Association currently operates a community building (a converted house) and opened in October 1998 due to considerable local demand for such facilities. Considerable achievements have been made by the association particularly with inter-generational projects with older people and children. Further consultation had built up a strong body of evidence: indeed, that it is space and facilities that is crucial to the continued development of this area. The severe lack of facilities and service provision was the key issue that has led to an eight year long determination, and dedication of a team of volunteers at the centre of the estate. This team have progressed from a residents house, to a flat leased from Wyre Housing to a converted house offering many limited (but needed) community facilities and services. |
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