Council works with residents to create Nicer Neighbourhoods

The works are part of the pilot areas under the Council’s Nicer Neighbourhoods initiative.

The Nicer Neighbourhoods initiative is an ongoing programme aimed at developing a long-term improvement plan for how we manage our housing estates.  Each project is developed with residents’ input to improve shared spaces.  Residents are invited to take an active role by becoming Community Champions. These volunteers represent their neighbours and help guide the development of future Nicer Neighbourhoods locations.  Community Champions also help build stronger relationships between communities and the Council, supporting the shared ambition of creating safer, greener and more connected places to live.

At Briars Wood, the communal garden has been enhanced to create a more welcoming, family-friendly space. Traditional washing lines have been replaced with modern rotary dryers, opening up room for children to play.  New benches and herb-filled planters have been installed, with residents encouraged to make use of the fresh herbs. Bike stands have also been added to support greener travel choices.

At Heronswood Road and Haynes Close, the larger site has also benefited from new rotary dryers, benches, and herb planters. New footpaths have been laid at the back of the block of flats, making it easier for residents to walk safely between buildings.

In addition to outdoor improvements, both sites have received deep cleans of internal communal areas. New noticeboards have also been installed to help keep residents informed about local opportunities and community updates. The works at both sites were carried out with the help of WHBC contractors, Novus Property Solutions as part of their social value programme.

Cllr Gemma Moore, Executive Member for Housing, said:

Creating Nicer Neighbourhoods is a priority for the Council, and it is wonderful to see how collaborative working with our residents and colleagues at Novus has made such a difference to the communal areas in Briars Wood and Heronswood Road and Haynes Close.  Works such as theses help instil a sense of pride in local communities and I am sure that residents will enjoy using these much-improved spaces.  Well done to everyone involved and I look forward to seeing similar transformations across the Borough.”

Simon Wilson a Partner at Novus Property Solutions said:

We are delighted to have supported this important initiative and give something back to the local community as part of our social value programme.  The works that have been completed at Briars Wood, Heronswood Road and Haynes Close are fantastic and I hope that local residents enjoy the new communal spaces for many years to come.”