£500,000 fund to help new Telford estates blossom
Half a million pounds has been put aside to help two of Telford's largest new housing developments continue to flourish.
The fund, from Telford & Wrekin Council, is to be invested into Lawley and Lightmoor.
The money will be used to create a community-led action plan, as well as to help set resident-led initiatives to promote community involvement and activities to improve the areas.
Shaun Davies, leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "These are two of the borough’s newest and fastest growing communities. They face a unique set of challenges linked to their growth and it’s important that partners come together to help tackle these and work with residents to do all we can to build strong communities.
“We are making this extra funding available to help establish ways to address a number of issues that affect these areas and to work even more closely with residents to help them become part of a longer term solution.”
Councillor Raj Mehta, mayor of Telford & Wrekin, said: "“Lightmoor and Lawley are amazing and exciting places to live, but like many places with new homes there’s a few teething and snagging issues.
“This new funding and new leadership will help ensure that we can get these resolved and allow these communities to become even better.”
As part of the funding, Bournville Village Trust has frozen the charges for its stewardship services, which sees it manage the public open spaces and encourage community spirit.
Proud
Pete Richmond, chief executive of Bournville Village Trust, said: “Lawley and Lightmoor are two of Telford’s most significant and largest housing developments of the last decade, each with their own communities and distinct identities.
“With both developments, there is much to be proud of. However, now is the time for partners and residents to take stock and resolve any issues to ensure they continue to flourish.
“We look forward to working with Telford & Wrekin Council and continuing to work with the Lawley Village Community Association and residents in Lightmoor.”
The Lawley Village Community Association will lead an independent survey of residents in Lawley to get their views and the Council will also employ a dedicated person to help support the community on a range of initiatives.
Jim Weir, of the Lawley Village Community Association, said: “Lawley Village is a great place to live and the association has been working hard to find solutions to the challenges residents have faced as the development grows.
“We particularly welcome the commitment to partnership working by Telford & Wrekin Council to work with the community. We are engaged in a community-wide consultation to reshape the stewardship service and to refresh our vision for Lawley and this significant investment by Telford and Wrekin Council is an important boost to these efforts.”
In Lightmoor, a new residents’ forum will be set up to revisit the village’s vision and provide community-led leadership. Telford & Wrekin Council is also due to make some safety improvements to Lightmoor’s primary school.
