NewStart visited the Castle Vale estate in Birmingham to learn about their community revolution, which saw residents take control of the library and swimming pool from the city council.
Communities Archives - NewStart
‘Pouring content into people is futile so we teach life skills that will last you a lifetime.’
‘Libraries as a bit of a canary in the coal mine for what is happening across the local government sector.’
The Government define a pocket park as a piece of land of up to 0.4 hectares which may already be under grass, but which is unused, undeveloped or derelict.
It’s a problem plaguing rural communities and often exposing the less affluent to economic burdens.
In all but five local authorities in England and Wales, total retail floorspace shrank – in more than two-thirds of local authorities, floorspace shrank by over 20%.
According to City of Trees, Greater Manchester’s trees remove 847 tonnes of pollutants each year by acting as a filtration system.
‘People felt like it was their building and not just a city council project that builds and just expects people to use it.’
‘He promised us more affordable housing but so far has fallen very short of his promises, particularly on social housing which is our greatest need.’
The defibrillators each have a solar panel and wind turbine to provide the power needed to keep the defibrillators in top condition.