A bid to win £50 million to
improve one of the most run-down parts of Coventry has cleared its
first hurdle with the Government giving the go-ahead to develop the
plans.
The submission for the New
Deal for Communities set out a proposal for the future developed by
residents in Wood End, Henley Green, Manor Farm and Deedmore Road.
The aim of the scheme is to
allow the members of the community to develop a long-term vision for
the area, including what facilities they feel are needed.
To be successful in the first
stage, the group had to show that they are working in partnership with
the city council, voluntary agencies, the private sector and community
groups across the city.
Now the government has given
its backing for more detailed plans to be developed and submitted.
Pat Watson, vice chairman of
the WHEM coalition, said:
“We are delighted to hear
that our first stage proposal for the area has been successful.
“Now that our community
will be able to have a say in how the £50m funding will be used, we
need to work hard on more detailed plans.
“We are also very keen to
hear from other residents in the area to hear what ideas they have
to make the neighbourhood a much better place for everyone.”
The next stage is expected to
take nine months. A final decision will be taken on how much the area
will receive in April 2001, and the first grants will start coming in
May 2001.
Local councillor Tom White,
cabinet member for Community Well-Being, said:
“This is very good news
for the area and a clear indication that the community is already
working effectively together.
”Residents have put a lot
of time and effort to make the New Deal for Communities proposal
successful and with the support of even more local people I am
confident that we will secure the funding that will bring long-term
benefits to the area.”
