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Dear Colleagues, I am Erica Brostoff, M.Sc. (Social Psychology) and representing my council estate of 9 blocks and 350 units, on the local Holborn Housing District Management Committee (DMC) in the London Borough of Camden Although living here for the last 15 years, I have only just learned that we are the largest of about 30 council estates in this ward - a surprising number for central London. The DMC meets quarterly to discuss a wide range of housing issues, and meetings often last from 7 - 11 pm. (too late) A few years ago, our estate (through me) commissioned Dr.R. J. (Sean) Cameron, of UCL and keynote speaker when the London and Home Counties Branch was set up, to carry out a study on the estate - the most pressing problem was urination in lifts and on stairs and landings. On this point he found a Japanese reference which stated that CCTV in lifts and stairwells was the best, and possibly the only complete solution. However, the CCTV on the estate generally is not connected to the central system, while at the same time this problem eased - this idea needs revisiting. Dr. Cameron made other suggestions about community cohesion. However, the effort the tenants and residents committee (TRA) have had to exert with housing staff were so exhausting and unsatisfactory over basic facilities like outdoor lighting that no energy was left for engaging tenants. Housing management staff have changed with change of political control and we are somewhat more optimistic. I do not envisage being able to exchange information at the present time, due to the said exhaustion, and works on the estate for Decent Homes, renewal of lifts etc. to occur shortly, also Pathfinder grant to improve playground. All these should alter the tenor of the estate, which has been quite disengaged. If the proposed Section is set up, that might be an appropriate time to give more detail if requested. I also look forward to benefitting from later exchanges. I also thank psychologists at LSE, London who advised last year on community matters. Until later. Best wishes. Erica Brostoff, ___________________________________ The Community Psychology List has a new website/blog at: http://www.communitypsychology.co.uk/ There is a threaded discussion forum: http://www.communitypsychology.co.uk/cgi-bin/discus/discus.cgi There is a twitter feed: http://twitter.com/CommPsychUK To post on the website blog, forum or twitter feed, contact Grant or David at the email addresses below. David Fryer ([log in to unmask]) or Grant Jeffrey ([log in to unmask]) To unsubscribe or to change your details on this COMMUNITYPSYCHUK list, visit the website: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A0=COMMUNITYPSYCHUK