Guardian photo montage of gated communities

[Steve]

NR, you've started another interesting thread, perhaps we could build on it, make a useful resource for those trapped in cities. Our standard reply would be "get out of the city", but of course many people won't.

So, here's a scenario we could start with..

You live in a low rise block, say 6 floors, close to a city centre in the Midlands. There are 24 flats in your block, 4 per floor, most residents are nice people, some are old and disabled, one flat houses 2 younger unemployed men who have many short visits and you suspect they are selling something illegal, but they always say good morning to you. There is a communal garden, all grass, and a door entry system - although you still get uninvited sales callers so it's obviously not used properly, and last month there was a stoned stranger in the lobby.

The economy is in trouble, there have been riots in many cities and police stations have been torched. It's not looking good, the police are staying away from the riots, and have been conspicuously absent from your area too.

You realise that your block needs to organise. You've spoken to the other residents, and everyone except the young fellas in flat 12 are willing to come to a meeting.

Can we formulate an agenda ?