A Residents Association (RA) is an organisation formed voluntarily by groups of people from a specific geographic community  to address issues within their local area and act as a voice for their local community.

Residents have a powerful voice, because they live in the houses that form the fabric of a local neighbourhood.  Residents’ Associations in Chichester are plentiful (currently some 16).  There are also ‘Friends of’ some of our parks, currently: Priory Park, Oaklands Park, Bishops Palace Gardens, as well as Friends of Centurian Way.  In many ways, they are local civic societies, concerned about their immediate environment.

RAs may come and go as issues arise and as the issues are resolved.  But many RAs are sustained as they provide a means for social interaction which binds and benefits the immediate and even wider community.

As the City’s Civic Society our aim is to “Preserve and Enhance Chichester” (within the parish boundary) we aim to work closely with motivated individuals and local organisations.  To this aim we have set up a sub-site as a Network of Resident’s Associations, Friends and other local groups, with a forum to facilitate communication on topics of common interest. to share concerns and successful initiatives.

This activity is co-ordinated by the chair of the Chichester Society, who may be contacted via info@ra-net.chichestersociety.org.uk.