A meeting to discuss how to improve community provision in Hitchin has hailed the town’s spirit.

The Comet: Redeeming Our Communities conversation in HitchinRedeeming Our Communities conversation in Hitchin (Image: Archant)

More than 75 people gathered on a very hot evening at Hitchin Town Hall in Brand Street on Tuesday.

The event was hosted by Redeeming Our Communities, a national organisation that engages with as many people and agencies as possible to transform local life for the better.

Those attending included representatives from the police, fire service, probation service, councillors, churches and other community organisations.

The delegates discussed three main issues – where are the gaps in community provision, what are the solutions and what skills can you contribute towards the solution. The feedback session proved to be a lively session with some inspiring ideas.

The Comet: Redeeming Our Communities conversation in HitchinRedeeming Our Communities conversation in Hitchin (Image: Archant)

Chief constable Charlie Hall said: “Hitchin has a great community foundation to build on” – with Michelle Szyman from the probation service adding: “The more people that are invested in community, the less likely they are to commit harm.”

A report of the evening is set to be written up in the next two weeks, and copies of this can be obtained by emailing Phil Jackson at phil.jackson@hcc.org.uk.

Phil, who is part of the Christians Together movement, is heading up an action group for those who wish to turn some of these ideas into reality.

He said: “The overwhelming impression from the evening is that Hitchin has a great community spirit, with many involved in helping to improve it.”