AN AREA of Kidderminster has been awarded £20million over the next ten years from the Government’s Pride in Place programme.
Wyre Forest District Council has welcomed the funding which will be invested in Birchen Coppice.
The cash, announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last night (Thursday), is aimed at empowering local residents and they will get to decide where best to invest it to most improve their areas.
The investment will enable the Birchen Coppice community to drive forward the changes they want to see in their neighbourhood.
It will support improvements people can see on their doorstep, champion local leadership, foster community engagement and strengthen social cohesion.
Coun Marcus Hart, leader of Wyre Forest District Council said: “We are delighted Birchen Coppice has been named as one of the areas to benefit from the Government’s Pride in Place fund.
“It presents a significant opportunity to deliver meaningful improvements and address the root causes of inequality for residents in an area of the district which has significant economic and other challenges.”
The district council will establish a Pride in Place board with community groups, the ward councillors and local organisations in Birchen Coppice, along with other partners, such as Kidderminster Town Council and Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier.
Coun Hart added: “This will ensure the community shapes decisions on how the money is invested to deliver real and lasting benefits in the area.”
Mr Garnier said: “I’m delighted with the news which is great for both Kidderminster and Birchen Coppice.
“The area has had its problems in the past and it is fantastic it is getting this investment.”
