City residents asked for views on 'united vision'

The council said the strategy was updated after an exercise that aimed to understand the views of communities

Creators of a vision for a more cohesive and united Stoke-on-Trent are urging residents to have their say on the plan.

The city council's Community Cohesion Strategy has been updated after a "major listening exercise", taking into consideration the views of more than 1,000 residents about their feelings about their communities.

Ultimately, the aim is to set up Citizens' Assembly to give people a "more direct say" on the way the strategy "is delivered", the council said.

It comes after city council leader Jane Ashworth acknowledged "economic hardship and the cost-of-living crisis have hit hard, and too many people feel their voices – and their legitimate concerns - simply aren't heard".

Members of the public are now being asked to complete an online survey, before the strategy document is finalised later this year.

The exercise has taken place alongside a host of activities to celebrate the city's 100th anniversary.

A separate document, Future 100, set out actions that, together, are designed to change Stoke-on-Trent's economy.

It added a "workplan will be drawn up for one of the Future 100 Mission Boards overseeing work to strengthen communities, education and skills across Stoke-on-Trent".

The consultation on the strategy has been taking place as Stoke-on-Trent celebrated its 100th anniversary, this year

The community cohesion strategy builds on the One Stoke-on-Trent campaign, which was launched in February and consists of a coalition of leaders from organisations including the NHS, police and fire service and schools.

The campaign has been backed with £600,000 of government funding, which has been distributed in grants to help amplify initiatives that promote cohesion.

Campaign members have also worked with schools and community groups to provide training and education.

Responses from the more than 1,000 residents "identified" strengths and challenges, the council stated.

Highlighted strengths include the city has a strong community spirit, community organisations were trusted and there was "a lot of pride in the city's cultural heritage" though it was thought that pride was too "stuck in the past" .

Other challenges to overcome include low trust in institutions and a feeling of powerlessness, the council said.