Residents allocate £21,570 of community funding

Residents allocate £21,570 of community funding

Residents from College Bank (£7150), Turf Hill (£3040), central Heywood and Angel Meadow (£2530), Hamer, Wardleworth and Pennine View (£3540), Brotherod (£3070) and Brimrod (£2240) gathered to award a total of £21,570 in funding in the first event of 2015 for RBH's 'Our Choice' project, which gives residents control of how money is spent improving their neighbourhoods.

College Bank residents voted to support six local projects in total, with the most popular project being a proposal to improve fencing near to College Bank Way.

Turf Hill people voted to fund the Turf Hill Community Association's Phoenix Club and Arts & Crafts Group projects.

In Angel Meadow and central Heywood, the most popular project was 'Meet Thy Neighbour', proposed by local resident Dorothy Garner to improve community spirit.

Dorothy said: "I'm delighted with the result. This funding will allow us to fund a day out, which will allow people in our area to get to know one another and build up friendship and community spirit."

In Hamer, Wardleworth and Pennine View, Hamer Amateur Boxing Club's proposals for community fitness classes was the top project, with funding also awarded to Jack McCann Court for summer activities and to Rochdale Women's Welfare Association for health sessions for older people.

Steven Connellan, head coach for Hamer ABC, said: "We're extremely grateful for the funding and we plan to open up Saturday sessions - both boxing and general fitness - for RBH tenants within the neighbourhood."

In Brotherod, funding was awarded to Brotherod Tenants and Residents Association for their clean-up day and their bingo and arts and crafts activities. Part-funding was also awarded to "Be Inspired" for their step ahead digital inclusion project.

In the Brimrod area, residents voted to award money to Derrick Walker Court for 'Golden Zumba', to BRATZ Brimrod for their garden project, and to the Roch Valley Educational Partnership for the Roch Valley Woodland.

Jonathan Walton, RBH Engagement Manager, said: "Our Choice is all about empowering residents, so we're extremely grateful to everyone who came along to our event to take part. Residents have chosen to give funding to some fantastic projects and I look forward to seeing them brought to life."