Published: 2005-10-24 15:51:49
Residents on two Kent housing estates opened their hearts to the camera in a Big Brother-style diary room.
The event gave more than 170 people the chance to share their views on what was good and what needed improving in Ramslye and Showfields, Tunbridge Wells.
It was organised by High Weald Housing Association, which is leading a multi-agency project to enhance the area.
Resident involvement officer Dawn Grant said the association had wanted to try a different approach to traditional clipboard and tickbox surveys and had been delighted by the response.
“The diary room on Big Brother is always very popular so we thought we’d give people the chance to have a go themselves,” said Dawn.
“People were really enthusiastic about this and soon overcame any nerves they might have about being in front of the camera.
“Traditional techniques can give you cold facts but this method also conveys the depth of emotion people feel about the issues which affect them.
“Items that came up included litter, street lighting, abandoned vehicles, play facilities and anti-social behaviour by a minority of people in the community. We will now use the ideas of residents in developing plans for the area.”
The event was filmed by students at West Kent College who are creating a DVD and audiotape. This will be shared with other the organisations and shown in the local community centre and schools.
The students, who are on a BTEC National Diploma course in Media and Moving image, shot around six hours of footage and are editing this down to a half hour programme.
A range of organisations including the Adult Education Service, Police, Connexions, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and the Library Service are supporting the project.
24Dash
