Residents of Bearwood urged to make strides in reclaiming the streets
Residents of Bearwood are invited to roll up their sleeves and get passionate about their local area, at a community drop in day to discuss ways in which the local streets can be brought to life.
When: Monday 12th October, 09.30 am - 6.00 pm
Where: Thimblemill Library, Thimblemill Road, Smethwick, B67 5RJ
On Monday 12th October, local residents and businesses are invited to attend a community engagement day in Bearwood as part of national charity Living Streets Fitter for Walking Project. Hema Kasi-Patel, Fitter for Walking Coordinator for the West Midlands will be leading the sessions and is encouraging the local community to come in and discuss what they feel are the barriers to walking in the local area. It will be an opportunity for local people to identify the problems and be involved in making positive changes for the benefit of everyone.
National charity Living Streets launched the Fitter for Walking project in 3 areas of the West Midlands last year to help residents create streets they can be proud of, thanks to funding from the Big Lottery Fund and in partnership with local councils and Primary Care Trusts.
Fitter for Walking is part of a group of projects that will be helping 2 million people nationwide become more physically active, by regularly walking or cycling as part of their daily lives. It is funded by the Big Lottery Fund’s Wellbeing Programme. Sandwell Council and Primary Care Trust are official partners in the Fitter for Walking project – a fantastic move that shows they are eager to work together with Living Streets and residents to improve their streets and encourage people to get walking locally. This partnership approach is vital in making sure that the project can make a real difference over the four year duration.
Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Living Streets, said:
“This is an excellent opportunity for local residents to share with us what they think is wrong in their neighbourhood. We want to make real, lasting difference by finding out from local people themselves how they want their neighbourhood to change, and then helping them do it. Initiative’s which involve the community are most effective at making a difference and we really believe we can make an impact on how the streets of Sandwell are viewed.”
Residents are urged to come down and discuss with Hema any issues they have come across in their local area. For more information, please contact Hema Kasi-Patel on 07595 781875, or email hema.kasi-patel@livingstreets.org.uk
Published by: Travel Actively on Monday October 12 2009
