Welcoming the borough’s Community Action Teams
Recently Telford & Wrekin Council brought together all 13 of the borough’s new Community Action Teams (CATs) to meet each other and council chiefs.
The teams were first trialled by Telford & Wrekin Council in Woodside in August last year to provide an area-focused approach to creating better neighbourhoods.
Woodside residents and ward councillors were delighted with the difference the team had made in their community. In just one month, the team completed 49 extra jobs and were “brilliant”, according to one local resident.
Watch this compilation video of the work in Woodside.
The successful trial led to the scheme being offered to other town and parish councils as a way of addressing local issues and doing extra jobs that aren’t picked up as part of Telford & Wrekin Council routine grounds, street cleansing and enforcement services. The scheme also provided an opportunity to create apprenticeships for young people.
By April this year, 13 town and parish councils had signed up to part-fund a team in their area, with their investment being match-funded by the borough council.
As each area is different, the package was tailored to meet the needs, priorities and budgets of each individual council. Some opted for a public realm team to look after the environment, an environmental liaison officer, neighbourhood enforcement officer and CCTV, and others have just opted for CCTV.
Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for neighbourhood, commercial services and regeneration, said: “With Covid-19 restrictions and everyone settling into their patch, this was the first time we have been able to get together.
“It was great to get everyone together and for me to hear how they are getting along. The town and parish councils tell me they are doing a great job. They’re working really hard on the small improvements that really do make a big difference. I would like to thank them and say, keep up the great work.”
Councillor Richard Overton, cabinet member for enforcement, said: “I know how important it is for our communities to be clean, green and safe. By working together we are creating a better borough.”
You can watch the launch video here.
