October 9, 2014 11.50 am This story is over 123 months old

Lincoln students and West End residents invited to meet their street

Building bridges: Lincoln residents are being encouraged to get to know one another in a series of neighbourhood events in the West End area of the city.
Lincoln students and local residents had their first meet on October 7.

Lincoln residents are being encouraged to get to know one another in a series of neighbourhood events in the West End area of the city.

Meet the Street will give students and other local residents the opportunity to build a stronger community.

The area has been affected by problems with anti-social behaviour in the past.

The events have been organised by the University of Lincoln’s Students’ Union in partnership with City of Lincoln Council, Lincolnshire Police and the University of Lincoln.

The first event, which took place on Tuesday, October 7, was held at Elena’s Kitchen on West Parade.

Elena and Franco Garcea, owners of Elena’s Kitchen, welcomed the scheme and said they were pleased to see residents building community relations.

They said: “It was great to see local residents and students chatting like old friends. There ought to be more evenings like this so that they can get to know each other better.”

Futher Meet the Street events, which all run from 6pm to 8pm, will take place at the following venues:

  • Friday, October 10 – St Faith’s Church Hall
  • Tuesday, October 14 – Alive Courtyard
  • Thursday, October 16 – Queen in the West

Representatives from each of the supporting organisations will be on hand to answer any questions. Free tea, coffee and cakes will also be available.

All residents of the West End area are welcome to drop in.

Olivia Hill, Vice President Welfare and Community, said: “The first Meet the Street event was successful in achieving what we originally set out to do – which is to help bring the community together.

“It has been fantastic to see different people from the local community talking to each other about what they love most about the area they live in.

“These events are aimed at creating long-lasting relationships between people and I have high hopes for the upcoming events.”

The events will coincide with the lead-up to annual World Hello Day, which takes place on November 21.

The aim is to promote peace across the world and bridge barriers between every nationality.

On a local level, anyone can join in by aiming to say hello to at least 10 people who they normally wouldn’t speak to.