The document summarizes research on citizen-run online neighborhood networks in London. It finds that these sites help strengthen local identities, stimulate civic engagement and local democracy, and contribute to cooperation with local authorities. A survey of users found that participation increased feelings of belonging and empowerment. However, councils are cautious about engaging with the sites due to moderation concerns. The research aims to provide guidance to local councils on how to support these networks while maintaining their independence.

1. LONDON’S
DIGITAL NEIGHBOURHOODS
Networked Neighbourhoods
citizen-run online neighbourhood networks:
a study of their impact on neighbourhoods and the
implications for local authorities
publishing & launch conference
30th november 2010

2. citizen-run online neighbourhood networks
online
neighbourhood
networks
The advent of social media and self-publishing has resulted
in the emergence of citizen run neighbourhood websites
as a healthy part of local communication ecologies.
These sites have the following characteristics:
• they have been established and are run by local citizens
• most of their content relates to local issues or interests
• they are open to contributions from anyone living in or
with an interest in the area.
The websites generally use blog software, or are set up on
forum or social network platforms. Coverage may range
from a single street to a neighbourhood, ward or postcode
area.
Our study identified nearly 200 in and around London. The
more successful have member groups numbering into
thousands.
Reports of the sites’growing levels of influence and some
notable successes in resident campaigns have attracted
attention from media and government alike. Their
potential is of particular interest in a time of public sector
funding constraints, because they raise awareness of local
issues, strengthen local identity, stimulate local democracy
and contribute to the co-production of public services.
the
research
The London Digital Neighbourhoods study explores the
ways in which people communicate online using citizen-
run websites, the impact of that communication, and the
implications for local service providers. Focusing on three
particular sites, the study will provide insights into how
they:
• contribute to citizen empowerment and engagement
• help strengthen sense of belonging
• stimulate co-production of services
• hold public services to account.
The study has used a variety of methods including focus
groups, interviews, content analysis and surveys. The
report of the study will be launched at a conference in
London on 30 November 2010.
PhotobyCllr.JennyChamerlain

3. user
survey
findings:
an
early
extract
Below are selected highlights from the user survey element
of the research carried out with residents who use three
local websites in London: Brockley Central, East Dulwich
Forum and Harringay Online.
co-­‐production:
attitudes
towards
council
Overall, 42 per cent of respondents said that participation
on their site had changed their attitude towards local
councillors for the better. Twenty one per cent said that
their attitude towards officers had changed for the better.
Fears that neighbourhood websites could unleash an
unrelenting fury of council-bashing appear to be
unfounded. The opposite seems to be happening here:
where moderators create a respectful context for
discussion and debate, participants come to recognise the
challenges for public services and their own potential to
co-produce public service outcomes.
sense
of
belonging
Some 69 per cent of respondents felt that participation on
the local site had strengthened their sense of belonging.
The sites appear to be playing a consolidating role,
building stronger attachment on sound foundations.
more
neighbourly
relations
Local sites stimulate positive connections between
residents, both in terms of encounters and exchange.
Forty-four per cent of respondents felt that their
neighbours are more likely to lend things or exchange
favours with one another as a result of participating on the
website.
empowerment:
influencing
local
decisions
Two thirds (68%) of respondents felt a little more or much
more able to influence decisions in their area as a result of
participation on their local site.
civic
involvement
Three
quarters
of
respondents
felt
that
participation
on
the
local
site
had
had
a
positive
effect
on
whether
or
not
people
pull
together
to
make
improvements.
We asked people if they belong to groups which take
decisions affecting the local area. Just 13% have been
involved in formal groups in the past year. Although there
is commitment to local involvement, it is not necessarily
formalised through organisations and groups. It seems that
local websites can both stimulate and reflect a latent
demand for informal opportunities to act collectively.
preliminary
findings
from
qualitative
work
democracy
of
everyday
life
A broad variety of information and issues gets aired on
these sites. Democracy is very much alive in this
environment: people raise the alarm about concerns,
scrutinise public decisions, call agencies to account,
apportion blame, broadcast and correct misinformation,
explore solutions and volunteer to take action.
This happens in an environment of almost ceaseless digital
chatter – about litter, recycling, transport, shops,
parenthood, anti-social behaviour, entertainment, local
history and the exchange and recycling of goods. This
fertile mix of content nurtures an agitated democracy of
everyday life. The sites are valued by officers and members
for helping to bring residents’concerns to the surface.
local
identity
All of the study sites strengthen local identity, in diverse
ways: through collections of local history photographs and
accounts, for example, or through vigilance in the defence
of buildings, spaces and businesses with which residents
feel some binding association.
the
importance
of
moderation
Council officers and members can be reluctant to engage
in citizen-run local sites because of concerns about
protracted or discordant conversations. Our research
revealed great respect for the way moderators contain
negative posts and comments, insist on fairness, and
remove inflammatory material.
Successful sites that encourage balanced, informed
argument and avoid the downward spiral of aggressive
negativity, and which therefore offer an environment in
which councils will wish to engage, depend heavily on the
culture established and maintained by founders and
moderators.

4. with thanks to our partners
The London’s Digital Neighbourhoods Project is run by the Networked Neighbourhoods organisation on behalf of
Capital Ambition
Networked Neighbourhoods Capital Ambition
email: LDNP@networkedneighbourhoods.com email: steve.pennant@londoncouncils.gov.uk
www: www.networkedneighbourhoods.com www: http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/capitalambition/
Networked
Neighbourhoods
what
should
local
councils
do?
Citizen run local websites are not systematically
representative nor are they always inclusive. But our report
will emphasise:
- the contribution that they make to local democracy
- their contribution to residents’engagement and
sense of empowerment
- the potential to stimulate co-production and
improvements to service delivery.
The full potential of these sites is unlikely to be reached
without council engagement.
We have found some understanding of this potential
within local government and in some cases a readiness to
engage with the websites, together with a lot of
uncertainty about how to do so. Some elected members
participate online and a few officers have a remit to
promote online engagement; but in most cases caution
prevails.
A range of conditions will be needed to fulfil the potential.
Some people will expect convincing cost-benefit evidence;
others may require little more than well-argued
evangelism; many will want to see guidance on online
engagement with residents; and some might welcome a
published code of practice for moderators.
There is widespread appreciation that the independence of
the sites is fundamental. As the benefits become
increasingly apparent, councils need to consider what role
they have to play in facilitating the development of new
sites across their areas and strengthening productive
relationships.
We will be publishing a guide to online neighbourhood
networks for council officers and members, alongside our
study report.
London Digital Neighbourhoods Research Launch Conference
For full details on our conference contact Radlene Butcher at Capital Ambition.
Email: radlene.butcher@londoncouncils.gov.uk
Phone: 020 7934 9522