The Leader of Worcester City Council, Councillor Lynn Denham, has welcomed Government plans to invest £20 million over ten years in one of the city’s most deprived areas, as part of the national Pride in Place strategy
Cllr Denham met with Government officials in Warndon West earlier this week to give them a first-hand experience of the area, alongside ward councillors.
She said: “I am absolutely thrilled that the Government has identified West Warndon, otherwise known as Old Warndon, as a part of the city that has been left behind in many ways and is in need of long-term investment.
“The Pride in Place strategy is an excellent initiative because it is about partnership working, listening to people and finding out what is most important to Warndon residents. And it brings funding to make those aspirations real, to deliver on those neighbourhood priorities.
“At Worcester City Council we have a good track record of community projects, so I am looking forward to focusing this skill and experience to change how Warndon West is seen by both its residents and our city’s wider population.”
Starting in April 2027, the City Council will receive around £2 million each year over the decade for investment in the Warndon West area. Before then, the Council will work with local people and local organisations to write a plan for investment into Warndon so that when the funding arrives, projects can start quickly.
The Council will be setting up a Neighbourhood Board, led by an independent Chair, that will include Warndon West residents, local businesses, and community organisations.
It will be that Board which will make the decisions on how the money is spent to benefit the Warndon West area.
Investments could include initiatives to tackle a lack of employment opportunities, help with access to good transport and housing, give support to families and young people, reduce anti-social behaviour, support local community buildings and outdoor spaces, and put money into valued community services.
Details will be revealed in coming months of how Warndon West residents can get involved.
