1. Press Releases

Within the UK, Bristol has been chosen in part in recognition of its success in finding innovative ways of involving disadvantaged groups of its citizens. For example, the council has developed a Citizens' Panel, and adopted a Democracy Plan. Watford, which is one of the first councils outside London to be led by an Elected Mayor, will work with Bristol in providing input to this project. Watford has also been chosen in part in recognition of its track record of finding innovative ways of involving marginalised groups of residents in council initiatives. The council piloted new ways of voting in 2000, which included taking polling booths to elderly residents so they could vote in their sheltered accommodation. This was part of a wider programme to increase participation by older people in decision-making and build their capacity and a community of interest to influence the council in the long term.

The project, called Participation, Leadership and Urban Sustainability (PLUS) will look at how cities are run in the UK, Scandinavia, Northern and Southern Europe and aims to learn from best practices in these different cultures. Data from partners in two cities in New Zealand will add a southern hemisphere perspective. In addition, two international organisations representing European networks of cities will also take part.

"The novel thing about this research project is that we are looking beyond the UK to see how cities work in other countries," says Robin. "This international dimension to our work on leadership and participation in cities is very exciting. It allows for the latest ideas to be shared across national boundaries which could benefit each country."

The study will last for two and a half years, and involves representatives of the eighteen city councils as well as nine research institutes or universities. The city partners have all been chosen for progressive methods of governing and will provide practical examples as case studies. The research has the potential to influence policy on local government in a direct and immediate way, with the aim of leading to an improvement in the quality of life in cities.

George Micklewright, leader of Bristol City Council welcomed the project, saying:

"Bristol is a major European City and the Council is pleased to be a partner in this European project - involvement in this work helps us to contribute to the future of Europe. As a city we have something unique to contribute to this programme and we have a lot to gain."

In Watford, Cllr Vince Muspratt, Leader of Watford Council also welcomed the project, saying:

"The whole point of our modern decision-making programme has been to reconnect local people with local democracy. We have learnt things we are willing to share and no doubt will learn new things from our partners. In the end it should lead to better services as local people have a more effective say in how they are served."

UWE is taking a lead role by co-ordinating the project as a whole, and will also be responsible for publishing the results of the research. Its Faculty of the Built Environment provides the administrative base for the European Urban Research Association (EURA), an international network of experts in urban studies. The team for the PLUS project consists of Professor Robin Hambleton, Dr. David Sweeting and Dr. Laurence Carmichael.

Editor's notes

The other European cities involved in the study are: Bergen and Oslo, Norway; Stockholm and Gothenburg, Sweden; Enschede and Roermond, The Netherlands; Hannover and Heidelberg, Germany; Poznan and Ostrow Wielkopolski, Poland; Turin and Cinisello, Italy; Athens and Volos, Greece; Christchurch and Waitakere, New Zealand.

· The project is in line with EU objectives to:

1. Strengthen economic prosperity and employment in towns and cities

 2. Promote equality, social inclusion and regeneration in urban areas

3. Protect and improve the urban environment

4. Contribute to good urban governance and local empowerment