BOOK READING REVIEW 2

This book titled ‘THE COMMUNITY PLANNING HANDBOOK’ compiled and edited by Nick Wates was first published in the UK in 2000 by Earth scan.

This book elaborates more on how people can shape their cities, towns and villages in any part of the world.

Two quotes in this book got my attention

Firstly, ‘When dwellers control the major decisions and are free to make their own contribution to the design, construction or management of their housing, both the process and the environment produced stimulate individuals and social well-being’ John F.C Turner, Freedom to build, 1972.

Secondly, ‘When people feel they ‘belong’ to a neighbourhood which is theirs through their own efforts, then it will become a place which is worth struggling to retain and develop. People will safeguard what they have helped to create’ Lord Scarman and Tony Gibson, The Guardian, 11 December 1991.

This book identifies different general principles from A-Z, methods from A-Z and Scenarios A-Z.

The following are some of the reasons why it is important to get involved in community planning.

·         Additional Resources: The governments rarely have sufficient means to solve all the problems in an area. Local people can bring additional resources which are often essential if their needs are to be met and dreams fulfilled.

·         Better Decisions: Local people are invariably the best source of knowledge and wisdom about their surroundings. Better decision making results if this is harnessed.

Building Community: The process of working together and achieving things together creates a sense of community