Whitleigh Big Local makes big plans

Plans are being drawn up to refurbish play parks and open spaces, create a multi-use games area and a skate park for Whitleigh.

Local residents have been working co-operatively with Plymouth City Council and the Whitleigh Partnership to bring together ideas for how to spend a million pounds. The grant from the Big Lottery Fund has to be used to fund resident led and sustainable improvements to the neighbourhood.

The team has been holding events where residents have decided what they believe are the most important areas for improvement in their community.

All four primary schools in Whitleigh have also been involved. The vision that has been drawn up for Whitleigh highlighted the need to invest in the community’s children and young people, as well as a community hub and older residents.

These proposals will be put to the wider community during fun days that will be held across the summer and part funded by the Big Local. The plans will then be submitted to the Big Lottery Fund in the autumn so funding can be allocated.

Cabinet member for Co-operatives and Community Development Councillor Chris Penberthy said: “There are some great ideas for improvements in Whitleigh that are all coming from the community and it’s the residents who will decide how this grant should be spent. The Big Local is a great example of giving communities the power to make a difference in their neighbourhood.”

The Big Local will also test ideas for activities for children and young people over the summer period to find out what they think would improve the neighbourhood for them. This includes sporting activities, dance classes and other youth sessions. Funding will also be contributed to Plymouth Argyle to start a two year programme of Friday evening youth football sessions.

The Whitleigh Big Local is now a fully established committee leading change in Whitleigh and is always still looking for more people to get involved. To find out more contact Debbie Burton on 306521 or join Whitleigh Big Local on Facebook.