Everybody needs good neighbours

Imagine a neighbourhood where every resident came together and agreed how they would all keep their community together, safe and thriving.

Well that’s what people in Little London and Kirkstall have done, and neighbours across west and north west Leeds could soon follow – thanks to innovative Good Neighbour Agreements.

West North West Homes Leeds, one of the organisations that manage and maintain council housing in Leeds on behalf of Leeds City Council, has launched the agreements as a way of creating more harmonious communities

The agreements, devised by residents, set out guidelines for good neighbourly conduct – everything from the environment to noise nuisance, from parking to keeping pets.

Tenants and residents associations across west and north west Leeds distributed suggestion forms so each community member, no matter how young or old, got the opportunity contribute to each area’s final agreement.

It is hoped that each community’s agreement will create a greater sense of community spirit and consideration for the local environment.

Cathy Clelland, chair of the West North West Homes Leeds, board, said:
“Wherever you live, you want to live in a pleasant neighbourhood where people look out for one another – that’s what the Good Neighbour Agreements are there to do.
“This isn’t about a legal contract that people have to abide by, it’s about communities coming together and agreeing what constitutes good neighbourly behaviour. This is a positive way of reinforcing the idea that good communities are created by the people who live in them.
“These agreements have the potential to positively change communities across our area and make our neighbourhoods better and nicer places to live.”

Notes to editors
West North West Homes Leeds is one of three Arms Length Management Organisations (ALMO) which manage and maintain council housing on behalf of Leeds City Council. It is wholly owned by the council, which retains ownership of housing stock and sets rents.

West North West Homes Leeds covers the areas of Otley, Pool, Bramhope, Guiseley, Yeadon, Cookridge, Rawdon, Holt Park. Tinshill, Horsforth, Kirkstall, Burley, Armley, Bramley, Pudsey, Woodhouse, Wortley, Farnley, and New Farnley.

ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
Michael Molcher, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 224 3937
Email: michael.molcher@leeds.gov.uk