Residents of the Park Lane Estate in Tipton, who once suffered depression and felt lost, have praised a £500,000 pilot scheme that has significantly improved their lives. The investment, from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), has funded solar panels on 35 homes to cut energy bills and tackle fuel poverty, as well as tree planting and a new community allotment growing fruit and vegetables.
According to WMCA, the investment is part of a pilot scheme aiming to make neighbourhoods greener and more prosperous. The social and activity groups are having a positive impact on residents' physical and mental health, while also developing their English language and digital skills.
Mayor visits estate to see programme in action
All activities have been funded by Mayor Richard Parker and led by the Bangladeshi Women's Association (BWA), based at Tipton Muslim Community Centre, with support from Sandwell Council. Mr Parker visited the estate 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, that the land was full of rubbish and bushes. However, with external help, they cleared it, and the planters are now ready for growing home-grown, organic produce.
Residents share their stories of change
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, who has lived in Tipton since coming from Pakistan almost 20 years ago, 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."
Mayor and council leaders praise the project
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 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 includes 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.
