Communities Secretary John Denham has announced that Rossmore estate will benefit from a government scheme to strengthen local communities affected by the recession.
The area will receive a grant, believed to be in the region of £50,000, to invest in new ways of local people and agencies working together on priority issues in the Rossmore neighbourhood.
Cllr Reverend Charles Meachin, Ward Councillor for Alderney, Borough of Poole, said: "The money received will go towards improving communications between residents, council officers, the police, and councillors.
"Communication between local agencies and residents is vital as it allows the local community to shape the neighbourhood they live in and find solutions to issues affecting the area."
Plans include employing a Neighbourhood Co-ordinator enabling residents to identify the most important issues in the area, to further influence the services provided, and develop joint service delivery across local agencies.
Chris Beale, Chair of the Stronger Communities Partnership, said: "This initiative will bring a variety of benefits to the area in both the short and long term. We will be able to co-ordinate the efforts of the various agencies working in the area more effectively, making public funding go further."
The work will progress that of the Safer Neighbourhood Team who work with residents to improve the area, but this grant means they will be able to reach more residents and young people and allow a long-term commitment to the area.
Inspector Adrian King, Section Commander for North Poole, said: "This money will enable the solid foundations of existing Safer Neighbourhood work to be built upon. The police and local authority are already working together in the community and this will enable accessible effective management of the neighbourhood to become a daily reality."
It is also hoped that a proportion of the money will be used to support young people in the area. The estate has a high proportion of young residents with 42% being under 19. With the economic downturn, many are finding it difficult to get jobs and community projects will not only develop relationships with young people but also encourage them to fulfil their potential.
Cllr Peter Adams, Portfolio Holder for Strengthening Our Communities, Borough of Poole, said: "Community projects such as Football Focus have already shown the positive impact that can be made when young people engage in their local communities and we will make every effort to ensure that stronger links are built as this project develops."
