The local community have directed an increasing level of effort since 2005 towards achieving their vision for The Lade.  An article in the local community newsletter (Valley’s 20/20 Vision) in Autumn 2005 identified a need for people to work together to improve the site.  In January 2006 the VISION Group assisted by the Local Community Planning Team held two meetings with relevant partner agencies to see how best a number of identified issues could be tackled.  It was agreed that a concerted effort would have to be made.  Key elements of the approach would be:

• Community Engagement

• Education/Awareness

• A clean up to allow a “fresh start”

• Enforcement

• Management & Development of site

• Return it to being a valued local amenity

• Encourage biodiversity.

Since this time further meetings have taken place with Community Wardens to actively seek solutions to the problems, including signage for the site, special litter clearances, and arrangements for an increased level of maintenance to prevent any further decline. This entailed a site visit by Criminal Justice (Community Service by Offenders) to agree what was feasible.