Council praised for helping to build strong communities in Stoke-on-Trent

Council and community leaders have outlined the key challenges and opportunities facing neighbourhoods in Stoke-on-Trent – just weeks after the city was awarded up to £20m ‘trailblazer’ funding.

On Friday 27 June, Baroness Hilary Armstrong - who chairs the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods (ICON) which is reviewing the current state of neighbourhoods across England - visited the city to find out more about the issues facing neighbourhoods in Stoke-on-Trent and learn about future regeneration opportunities.

Baroness Armstrong’s visit comes just weeks after Bentilee and Ubberley was chosen as one of only 25 trailblazer neighbourhoods across the UK. Announced as part of the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review, the area will receive up to £20 million to transform the area through community-led regeneration projects.

During her visit to the city, Baroness Armstrong stopped off at St John’s Church in Abbey Hulton where she observed a Stay and Play session hosted by Thrive at Five.

She also visited St John’s Day Service, run by the council’s Adult Social Care and All Age Commissioning service, which supports adults with learning disabilities with activities including cookery, gardening, health, education and digital skills.

The Baroness was later joined by stakeholders and community leaders for a roundtable discussion at Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre where she met members of community groups which are actively working to improve the lives and opportunities for residents in Stoke-on-Trent.

She finished off the day at The Portland Inn Project, in Hanley, learning about their plans to transform a former pub into a new community hub.

Baroness Armstrong said: "It was a real pleasure to visit Stoke-on-Trent last week, meeting local community organisations, public service leaders and elected representatives. 

“I saw first-hand how the council and grassroots organisations are building strong communities and enriching neighbourhoods. 

The path to national renewal lies in neighbourhood renewal. I hope Ministers will closely examine the lessons from community-led regeneration, in Stoke-on-Trent and across the country." 

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “It was a privilege to welcome Baroness Armstrong to Stoke-on-Trent and to be able to sit down with her and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our local communities.

“We were pleased to be able to showcase community in action at our Stay and Play session and be able to introduce her to community organisations which are leading the way when it comes to improving opportunities for local residents and families, particularly those in left behind neighbourhoods.

“We are committed to continuing those efforts with the government funding we have received. We want to empower residents to improve and enhance the places where they live and work.”