The largest ever survey of activity by local community groups was launched this week to reveal the influence of the civic society movement in villages, towns and cities across the country.
The civic society movement is one of the country’s unsung treasures and its network of over 1000 voluntary civic and amenity societies and 250,000 members plays a crucial role in defending and celebrating the character and quality of the places in which we live.
Civic societies provide a focus for voluntary and community action, with examples including:
• Bradford Civic Trust’s publication of alternative ‘common sense regeneration’ plans for the city;
• Camden Civic Society’s campaign to improve the design of the British Museum extension recently refused planning permission;
• Leicester Civic Society’s campaign to save the unique Bowstring Bridge and re-open the listed Silver Arcade;
• Skipton Civic Society’s detailed survey of listed buildings in the town centre and guide to the ginnels and yards of the town;
• Huddersfield Civic Society’s plans for a heritage trail and blue plaques recognising the town’s important buildings, open spaces and people;
• St Albans Civic Society’s campaign against a rail freight terminal in the Green Belt with five warehouses each larger than Terminal 5;
• Wakefield Civic Society’s environmental audit of the run down Kirkgate area of the city;
• Addingham Civic Society’s development of a new £60,000 playground in the heart of the village;
• Tonbridge Civic Society’s campaign to restart the High Street clock.
Launching the survey, Tony Burton, director of the Civic Society Initiative, said: “Civic societies are rooted in local communities. They celebrate local character, help us discover our roots and campaign for a better future. At a time when people’s faith in politics and institutions is in decline and too much development and change is harming the local environment, we need vibrant and active civic societies more than ever before.
“We would ask anyone with an interest in the character, heritage and future of their local neighbourhood to respond to the survey and help to strengthen the civic society movement across the country.”
The survey can be downloaded and completed at the Civic Society Initiative website.
