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Volunteers needed to help improve deprived areas

Dan Ayers,Somersetand
Leigh Boobyer,in Bridgwater
BBC Shop and block of two-storey flats in Bridgwater. There's several shops and a few cars parked outside.BBC
Ideas are wanted for investment in parts of Bridgwater like the Hamp estate

Residents are to get a "once-in-a-generation" say in how up to £20m can be spent on improvements to a town and one of its "most deprived neighbourhoods".

The southern area of Bridgwater has government funding for the Pride in Place programme which will see the investment spent over the next ten years.

Local people from the Hamp Estate and parts of Westover in the town will help decide how to spend the money.

Councillor Brian Smedley, Leader of Bridgwater Town Council said: "This investment gives us the chance to tackle long‑standing issues and create real, lasting improvements for local residents."

Smedley continued: "What makes this different is that the people who live here will be the ones shaping the decisions and priorities. They know their community best."

The southern part of Bridgwater is one of 169 areas in England to be selected by Government because it scores highly on the national index of deprivation in terms of amenities and quality of life.

The funding can be spent on projects which are designed to increase social mobility, improve access to local services and encourage greater community spirit.

The board will work with Somerset Council, local members, Bridgwater Town Council and the MP to develop ideas for projects to fund. The aim is to have a new board set up by the summer.

Three people stood outside the multi-games use area. They have just cut a red ribbon and are opening the area to the public. There's a tall man in a blue umper to the left and two women stood to the right.
A new play area opened in Mansfield Park in Bridgwater with residents suggesting schemes like this should be included in the Pride in Place grant

It comes as a new play-area and multi‑use games area have recently opened in Mansfield Park with separate funding from the Hinkley Point C (HPC) Community Fund and the Hamp Community Association.

Councillor Kathy Pearce said these are the ideas that "we should be looking to continue".

She said: "Seven months ago, this area just looked really derelict and tired and didn't invite anybody really to come to the park. So, this is just fantastic to see a new area."

Man stood in front of big multi-use play area. He has short, black hair and is wearing a dark blue top. He has his initials on the top.
Rhode Lane Wanderers coach Sam Smith says bringing people together though sport is one of the ways the money can help Bridgwater

Sam Smith, football coach for Rhode Lane Wanderers said: "It would be good to have this money go towards the social side of things and bringing different age groups together."

People interested in joining the board are asked to contact Bridgwater Town Council.

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