For immediate release: 9 October 2007

People of York invited to shape and influence the Derwenthorpe development

As part of its commitment to involving local people in the proposed Derwenthorpe family housing development, the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT) and City of York Council (CoYC) are holding a Community Forum meeting this Saturday (13 October) which will be open to all.

The aim is to enable local people to contribute to the proposals for Derwenthorpe and help ensure that neighbouring communities and the people of York benefit from the creation of Derwenthorpe. The event on Saturday will be focusing on the proposals for the open space and play facilities and will provide an opportunity to hear about the proposals for the first phase of the development.

A broad range of organisations, groups and individuals from across York are invited including residents’ associations; community and voluntary groups; staff and governors; ministers and clergy of local churches; doctors and healthcare staff; young people; police and related personnel; representatives of local businesses and others with a connection to the area able to share the perspectives of local groups or interests. The Forum will also provide a sounding board for the Derwenthorpe Partnership Committee, which is made up of representatives of the JRHT, CoYC and the adjoining communities.

Comments, concerns, observations and suggestions will be fed back to the Partnership Committee for their consideration at each of its meetings. They in turn will report back on all outcomes to the Community Forum.

The Forum will meet at Derwent Junior School and anyone interested is welcome to drop in at any time between 10am and 2pm.

Notes to editors:

1. The Partnership Committee is made up of representatives from the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, City of York Council and existing adjoining communities who will advise on the design proposals. Three sub-groups will consider traffic and transport; environmental issues and community facilities.
2. Derwent Junior School is on Osbaldwick Lane, York, YO10 3AX.
3. For help with transport and/or help with care costs contact Mae Kelsey on 01904 735006 or email mae.kelsey@jrf.org.uk.
4. People unable to attend the meeting on Saturday are invited to submit their comments, concerns and suggestions by email to information@jrht.org.uk.
5. The mixed income, mixed tenure community of Derwenthorpe will create around 540 high quality homes to help meet the needs of York’s families. The shortage of family homes in York has forced many to look outside the city to find homes in safe, neighbourly and environmentally friendly communities where they can raise their families. In 2004/05, 75% of new homes completed in York were flats. In addition, house prices are rising faster than the growth of incomes. There are 11,000 young households in York – many with young families – who cannot afford to buy a home in the city where they live and work. Derwenthorpe will create an inclusive and sustainable community and is set to become a beacon for the whole of the UK.

Issued by Sue Everard, JRF Media Relations Manager: 01904 615 958 / 01904 615919 sue.everard@jrf.org.uk