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ABOUT COMMUNITY ACTION TEAMS_
Community Action Teams are teams that have been funded by the council to go out to areas that either are over grown, dilapidated or full up with rubbish, and to clear those areas, so that communities are not only being looked after, but people who aren’t able to do certain things for themselves are able to feel like they can be part of that particular community again, rather than feeling neglected or separated, just because of things that hinder them.
In May Simon Johnson will have headed up the Community Action Team for a year, and over that year he and his team have transformed countless gardens, alleyways, parks, residential areas and whatever else he is asked to do that is directly impacting huge numbers of people across Thanet. Once a month C.A.T’s are asked to something a little out of the ordinary and partner with Thanet District Council, Kent Police and other enforcement agencies in a two-day operation known as Operation Cleansweep. This happens in a different place each month and focuses on priority wards where regular enforcement is necessary and greatly contributes to a positive community.
Pipeline played a part in initiating Operation Cleansweep back in 2007 have remained an integral part of the operation since. The idea is now being looked at as a model of good practice as other local authorities look to replicate the effective partnership, working to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour, illegal immigration and whatever else pops up. Simon says “Pipeline are unique in the mix of Cleansweep – as we are the only partner putting something directly back into the community. All the other agencies are clamping down on their specific targets – which can only be seen as negative – but we get to give something back to the community.” If you’d like to get involved in C.A.T teams or would just like to know more then please contact Simon at the GGC offices on 01843 226232 or sign up on the volunteers page.
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