Redditch Borough Council is inviting residents to join a new programme of community walkabouts designed to give local people a stronger voice in shaping their neighbourhoods.
The walkabouts will bring together residents, businesses, council services, police, public health teams, and other partners to identify local concerns and agree practical actions.
What issues will be discussed
The sessions will focus on community safety, anti-social behaviour, grounds maintenance, lighting, communal areas, bin storage, and other neighbourhood concerns.
After each walkabout, the organisations involved will review progress, track agreed actions, and publish the outcomes.
First walkabout in Woodrow
The first walkabout takes place in Woodrow on Wednesday 29 July at 3pm. Residents who wish to take part can meet the group at the Woodrow Centre shortly before the start.
Feedback from the Woodrow session will help shape the approach before the programme is rolled out to other parts of the borough.
Why the council is doing this
Cllr Ashley Monk, Redditch Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services, said: "We want to strengthen residents' voices and create more opportunities for people to influence what happens in their neighbourhoods. By bringing together the organisations responsible for different services and discussing issues face-to-face, where they occur, we can identify priorities, agree actions and be clear about who is responsible for delivering them."
Insp Richard Field of the Redditch Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "Community walkabouts are a great opportunity for residents to speak directly with the agencies that serve their neighbourhoods and help shape the priorities that matter most to them. By walking the neighbourhood together, we can better understand those concerns, agree practical solutions, and work collectively to make a visible difference."
Dr Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, added that the walkabouts are an example of district and county partners working together with residents. She noted that the Priority Neighbourhood Development programme, including in Woodrow, has enabled the Public Health Team to ensure local people can take an active role in improving their community.