Griff Rhys Jones to visit Bristol to urge communities to use powers to protect their local community

Griff Rhys Jones, President of Civic Voice has today said “For far too long, people have assumed that they don’t have any voice in their locality. This is wrong. You do have a voice but you have to use it. The Government have introduced the Localism Act and yet figures released show that less than 1000 communities have utilised the powers available to list local community assets. Civic Voice wants to change this.

Responding to a Parliamentary Question on 13th March, Stephen Williams MP said “we estimate that from February of this year over 900 assets have been listed across England”.

Griff added “Whether it is a heritage asset or community asset, people in Bristol should get it listed. It can make a difference and that is why Civic Voice is launching a yearlong project to inspire communities across England to give buildings greater protection. We will be publishing case studies, holding events and mobilising communities to show people that they can have a voice in their local area. I look forward to the seeing people in Bristol on March 29th.

Events are planned as part of the Localism Alliance in Bristol (March 29th) Wakefield (April 5th) and London (April 17th) and people can book on to these via http://www.civicvoice.org.uk/get-involved/events/

Stephen Williams MP said “Communities across the country are developing neighbourhood plans, using the Community Right to Bid to protect their important local pub or shop and seeking to keep money in their communities through the use of community shares. They are doing their bit to make where they live a better place.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS PRESS RELEASE PLEASE CONTACT:

Ian Harvey, Civic Voice (m) 07877 096968 (t) 0151 708 9920

NOTES FOR EDITORS
1 Griff Rhys Jones is available for media interviews by calling 07877096968
2. Civic Voice works to make the places where everyone lives more attractive, enjoyable and distinctive. We speak up for civic societies and local communities across England. We promote civic pride. We are the national charity for the civic movement and have a strong local presence. We believe everyone has the right to live somewhere they can be proud of. We know how people feel about places because we feel the same way. Civic societies are the most numerous participants in the planning system. Since its launch in April 2010 Civic Voice has been joined by 290 civic societies with more than 75,000 members. Further information is available at http://www.civicvoice.org.uk including how to join Civic Voice (£10 individuals) and contact details for local civic societies. More information on Civic Voice’s Planning for People campaign is available on our website here http://www.civicvoice.org.uk/campaigns/planning-for-people

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Ian Harvey, 07877096968 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)