People who live and work in a defined boundary area of Dudley borough set by government will see up to £20 million of investment over the next 10 years.

Running from the Priory to Dudley Wood, and incorporating Dudley town centre, the locality is one of 75 in England that will benefit from the central government’s ‘Plan for Neighbourhoods’ programme. 

The funds will be managed by Dudley Neighbourhood Board, which comprises community groups, community representatives, politicians, the police, anchor institutions and businesses operating in the area and is closely supported by Dudley Council.

Money can be spent on a wide range of things aligned to three goals of the programme: thriving places, stronger communities and taking back control. Identified themes cover public spaces, high streets and heritage, housing, skills, employability and business growth, community cohesion, health and wellbeing, transport, safety and security, families, and early years and education.

Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for development and regulation, said: “We could see up to £2 million of investment every year in the area, with £250,000 capacity funding already received to help get the programme started.

“The identified area will incorporate the homeland of more than 6,000 Dudley borough residents and Dudley town centre itself, with the investment set to tie in closely with local authority and community priorities.”

Neil Thomas, chair of the Dudley Neighbourhood Board, said: “This is all about local people deciding how money can best be invested in the area where they live and work.

“A cohort of Community Researchers attended a fantastic workshop earlier this week supporting them to plan, develop and prepare creative approaches to engage within their communities and the wider borough ensuring co-development of the Regeneration Plan”

“We will also be working closely with Dudley Council to get a survey together asking people in the area for their input.”

The survey will be available online and will be posted through letter boxes over the summer months.

People can find out more about the programme and will be able to take part in the survey at regeneratingdudley.org.uk.