£500,000 investment in Tipton estate 'improves lives of residents'
A pilot scheme is enabling residents to take part in activities to improve their lives.
People on a Black Country estate who suffered depression and ‘felt lost’ have hailed a project which has had a major positive impact on their lives.
Park Lane Estate in Tipton received a £500,000 investment from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and has seen 35 homes fitted with solar panels to cut energy bills and tackle fuel poverty, more trees being planted and fruit and vegetables being grown at a new community allotment.
Bosses said the the investment is part of a pilot scheme looking to make neighbourhoods greener and more prosperous places to live.
But they said social and activity groups are having a positive impact on improving the physical and mental health of residents, as well as developing their English language and digital skills.
All the activities have been funded by the Mayor Richard Parker and led by Bangladeshi Women’s Association (BWA), based at Tipton Muslim Community Centre, with support from Sandwell Council.
Mr Parker visited the estate to see the pilot programme in action on Tuesday, August 11, and helped plant a pear tree in the community allotment.
BWA chief executive Syeda Khatun told the Mayor and other dignitaries including Sandwell Council leader Ray Nock, the land was full of rubbish and bushes.
But, with some external help, she said they managed to clear it and now the planters are ready for growing home-grown, organic produce.
Residents Parmjit Kaur and Robina Kauser have become more active in the community as a result of the pilot.
Parmjit said: “I’ve spent many years at home looking after my two step-children, my own son, and mother-in-law and father-in-law. I felt lost.
“Now I dress up and give myself some attention. I love the activities, gardening, playing netball, I’m learning to speak better English, I go to college and want to find work. I am so much more confident about myself.”
Robina has lived in Tipton since coming to the area from Pakistan almost 20 years ago. She said: “My life is so much better.
“Being more involved has helped my depression, my English and my health.
“I didn’t feel able to go outside much before because of looking after my children and then my poor mental health.
“Now I play netball, go to the park and help with litter picking. I’ve met so many people and learned so much.
“I also have a job as a passenger transport assistant accompanying local SEND children on their journey to and from school. It makes me feel more involved.”
The Mayor said: “Robina, Parmjit and many more of their neighbours who I met at Park Lane Estate are proof of what’s possible when we invest in helping communities to help themselves.
“I was proud to see the real difference this funding is already having on their lives.
“It’s given them new confidence and opened up valuable opportunities for them to learn and to earn their own money.
“When communities like this one are overlooked, residents can become isolated from the rest of the region.
“But this investment is delivering the change I promised: supporting a happier, healthier and better-connected community. And there’s even more to come when the new tram line opens, with a stop serving this estate.”
Cllr Ken Parsons, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Housing and Deputy Leader, said: “This project is making a real difference to people’s lives in Tipton.
“By helping residents reduce energy costs, improve their skills, build confidence, and connect with their community, we are creating opportunities that will benefit local families for years to come.
“We are pleased to be working alongside the Mayor and the Bangladeshi Women’s Association to support this important work.”
WMCA said a longer term vision for the estate include safer walking and cycling routes and the Midland Metro taking trams to Tipton for the first time.
Other neighbourhoods included in the pilot are Castle Vale in Birmingham; Graiseley in Wolverhampton; Chelmsley Wood in Solihull; Dudley Fields in Walsall; Hillfields in Coventry; and Brockmoor in Dudley.