Clermont: “We want people to be proud of their city!”

Jean-Marie Sabatier, Gérard Bessière et Véronique Delorme JM – JM

Since January 1, Clermont-l'Hérault has been officially engaged in a Priority Neighborhood of City Policy approach. Explanation.

"The overall objective is to improve the living conditions of residents", summarizes Gérard Bessière, mayor of Clermont. Because in addition to the PVV systems, Small Towns of Tomorrow, or even ORT, Territorial revitalization operation, or even the programmed housing improvement operation –Urban renewal (OPAH RU), which the city has obtained, the Clermontaise city is also eligible for the QPPV*. Another fairly hermetic acronym, for Priority District of City Policy, which carries the clear ambition of creating proximity to thus promote social ties and energize the city. A new tool useful for the territorial project carried out by the municipality.

A perimeter of 3,300 inhabitants

Concretely, the QPPV concerns a perimeter of the heart of the city which represents 3,300 inhabitants, or almost a third of the Clermontese population. Coordinator of the system, the first deputy, Jean-Marie Sabatier, specifies the outlines of the system : "a project manager has been recruited. On the perimeter are three primary schools (Laure Moulin, Vilar and Daudet). This will allow us to work on an educational success program, on parenthood… The idea is to be even closer to the residents.&quot ;

What envelope for QPPV ?

What is the amount of the subsidy allocated under QPPV ? "There is no pre-established budget. This will depend on the interest of the projects, there is a bonus for projects. The  Region, for example, contributes up to 25% if the project is validated within the framework of QPPV…", explains Gérard Bessière. The towns of Lodève and Bédarieux already benefit from QPPV. The City of Clermont intends to launch calls for projects within the framework of the Priority District of the City Policy.

On this aspect therefore, it is not so much a question of renovating the walls as of reviving the social fabric. & quot;There, we are not going to work so much on the stone, but, in conjunction with the inhabitants", formulates Gérard Bessière. A form of citizen advice should see the light of day. "We organize public meetings… We need this contact with the residents to see, with them, how to improve their living conditions. This can also have an effect on businesses because there are franchises, business aid", continues the councilor.

A France Service branch

The QPPV should promote synergy between the stakeholders of Clermont, the City, associations, businesses, businesses, and the administration. "We will have to provide quality, develop all possible offers and ensure that people who live in other neighborhoods come too. The idea is also to encourage diversity. This device allows us to work on social bonds and life between people. We are going, for example, to install a France Service branch, open 5 days a week to help people where they live, adds Jean-Marie Sabatier.

Ultimately, the QPPV should make it possible to reduce the paradox, even the divide, of a city which welcomes " 1500 economic activities, employment and, on the other hand, 24% poverty rate, analyzes Gérard Bessière. "Our only policy is that people feel good in Clermont, that they are proud of their city. We are not going to do it for them, but with them!", concludes Jean-marie Sabatier.

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