Student Community Representatives scheme

23 January 2009

Students from LJMU and the University of Liverpool have combined forces to create a ground-breaking community scheme which aims to bring together student and non-student residents to improve their neighbourhoods.

As part of "Give Liverpool Some Love!" student volunteers will work with local residents in Smithdown, Aigburth and Kensington to make the areas cleaner, safer and more enjoyable places to live.

The launch of the community initiative this week received positive responses from the police, council members, residents associations and university managers.

Chris Redmond, Vice President Welfare and Equal Opportunities at Liverpool Student Union explained: "There will be 21 student Community Representatives who will regularly visit residents, asking their views and providing the information, advice and contacts required to resolve community-based issues. The Community Representatives can help with recycling and refuse removal, housing advice, neighbour issues, antisocial behaviour, safety and security at home and much more."

Professor Michael Brown, Vice Chancellor at LJMU said: "I am delighted that the student representative bodies have taken the initiative to build and maintain good relationships between students and their neighbours in a systematic manner. The students in Liverpool add greatly to the life of Liverpool including its economic success, and good relations between all parties in Liverpool are essential to everyone."

Councillor Tina Gould, member of South Liverpool District Committee, commented: "I am delighted that Mossley Hill has been chosen as one of the areas to pilot this initiative which will benefit the whole community. Your three Mossley Hill Councillors Tina Gould, Ron Gould and Lynnie Williams are looking forward to working closely with the newly appointed student representatives."

Central Liverpool Labour Councillor Nick Small added: "I'm really pleased this scheme is being launched. Students can bring real benefits to communities like Kensington Fields, Aigburth and Smithdown. This scheme will allow these communities to maximise these opportunities to benefit everyone."

Picture 1: From left, Chris Redmond LSU's Vice President Welfare and Equal Opportunities, Constable Dave Peover of Kensington New Deal Police, Danielle Jeffreys, Vice President Activities and Participation, Police Community Support and Traffic Officer Deenan Ramaya of Mossley Hill Neighbourhood Police and Sally Hinchley, Community Warden Coordinator.

Picture 2: Chris Redmond, Cllr Tina Gould, Cllr Ron Gould and PCTSO Deenan Ramaya are pictured with Aigburth Community Reps, Mark Fegan, Kayleigh Kiernan, Rebecca Anslow and Issa Mckay.