SALFORD 2009

The OnePlace reports are collated from the likes of the The Audit Commission, Care Quality Commission, HM Inspectorates of Constabulary, Prisons and Probation and Ofsted, and aim to give an independent glimpse into the quality of life. 

Here's some of the stuff it says about Salford - the good, the bad and the shocking - but take a good look for yourself and make up your own mind if it's accurate or not…

A Healthy City? "People in Salford are on average less healthy than the rest of England. Salford has one of the worst rates of life expectancy for both men and women. If you live in the poorest parts of the city, you're likely to live 6 to 7 years less than those living in the wealthier neighbourhoods."

A Safe City? "Crime levels, particularly violence and burglaries are too high."

A Learning and Creative City? "Most children achieve a good education….However, more needs to be done to help more young people achieve 'A' level qualifications"

A City Where Children and Young People are valued? "Schools appear to provide a safe environment for children and young people. But, there are weaknesses. This includes private fostering services, the way it assesses the needs of vulnerable children and intervention and support for families."

An Inclusive City? "The partners work well to understand the needs of the local community. Local people are given good opportunities to make decisions through neighbourhood management and community committees"...(ed: except when it comes to funding the Salford Star eh?)

An Economically Prosperous City? "Partners are having some success in helping local residents into work. It is a difficult issue as many people do not have jobs - up to 50 per cent of people in some of Salford's poorest areas don't work."

A City That's Good To Live In? "More work is needed to make Salford a cleaner and more attractive place to live. Although local streets are becoming cleaner, there is more to do to raise the standards of cleanliness. Too much household rubbish is sent to land-fill sites rather than being recycled, reused or composted…
"…many homes remain in a poor condition and do not meet the national decent homes rating for minimum standards. Improving the standard of homes is important as it helps more people feel safe and healthy…"

Find the OnePlace website here...

* The site is not without its teething troubles - click on `Partners In Salford' and it directs you to a a site in Rutland...but don't let that put you off... 

SEE ALSO `JAM TOMORROW'...