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21 Jan 2011 10:57:35
The University of Bedfordshire hosted a special event yesterday (Thursday) to launch a major new report into community cohesion in Luton.
Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE welcomed an audience of some 90 invited guests to the new £34m Campus Centre to launch the report – Building cohesion in Luton.
He said: “The University plays a key role in the local community. We contribute some £270m to the regional economy and support a wide variety of local groups and organisations.
“The majority of our students at our Luton campus live within a six mile radius of the town, or soon to be city, and we want to make it the best possible university for the people who live here. Building community cohesion in Luton is vital. If Luton thrives the University thrives.”
The report follows the setting up of a Commission in January last year chaired by University Chancellor Baroness Howells of St Davids. Luton Borough Council invited the Commission to make recommendations for how everyone in the town could work together more effectively to achieve Luton’s vision for 2020. This was set out by local residents as a place where everyone is treated the same, equally, with fairness and respect.
The 18 Commission members who represented a cross-section of local experience, expertise and interests, drew on existing evidence and developed a ten-month programme of engagement that involved 180 local people.
The Commission’s evidence is available at www.luton.gov.uk/communitycohesion
The report was launched by Cllr Joan Bailey, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and also a member of the Commission.
Cllr Bailey said: “I would like to thank the Commission members for their hard work and Baroness Howells for steering the group towards a meaningful report with real substance.”
In her foreword to the report, Baroness Howells said:
“Luton is a borough made up
of different groups that in recent decades have brought with them their own
cultures. Harmonising the many cultures cannot be left to chance and steps need
to be taken to ensure those who live and work in Luton feel secure and proud of
their environment whatever their heritage.
"The Commission has tried to present a practical way forward for Luton, keeping in mind its ageing population, numerous ethnic minority groups and younger generation.”
Ted Cantle, Executive Chair of the UK’s Institute of Community Cohesion, provided a national perspective on the challenges Luton continues to face.
Welcoming the report’s challenges, Luton Borough Council’s Chief Executive, Trevor Holden said: “The evidence presented to the Commission clearly shows that the vast majority of local people regard the town’s diversity as a positive attribute, and roundly condemn extremism. It also reminds us that if it is just left to happen diversity can be perceived as having negative consequences.
“Luton is a place for everyone whatever their background. It is a positive town and I am determined that we will be creative and innovative in turning the report’s findings into action even during the current austere times.”
Latest news» 2011» January» University hosts key event on community cohesion
