The newly formed Bedworth Plan for Neighbourhoods Board has met for the first time at the Bedworth Ex-Servicemen’s Club on Thursday. The meeting means the starting gun has now been fired on planning for the £20 million being provided by the government to regenerate Bedworth town centre.

The Board is being Chaired by Bill Basra, Chief Executive Officer at Bedworth, Rugby, and Nuneaton Citizens Advice Bureau.

Rachel also sits on the board, with further representation from local businesses, service providers, the police, charities, and Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council.

Two students from Nicholas Chamberlaine school are also sitting on the board, to ensure the views of young people in Bedworth are being represented in the plans.

Key issues identified at the first meeting included improving the town’s food, drink and retail offer, bringing empty buildings back into use, and ensuring there was more to do in Bedworth for young people and families.

The Board will steer the delivery of the project and has until late November to submit a plan to the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government with their vision and spending plans for Bedworth. The board’s first task is to review all the previous plans and consultations that have taken place about Bedworth Town Centre and launch a consultation to gather the views of Bedworth residents on what they want to see prioritised in the town.

Speaking after the meeting, Chair of the Bedworth Plan for Neighbourhoods Board, Bill Basra said:

It’s an honour to have been invited to Chair Bedworth’s Plan for Neighbourhoods Board, and to lead this exciting project to breathe new life into our beloved town.

 

Bedworth town centre has so much potential that is currently going to waste, so I am already feeling really inspired by the passion, drive and experience of our board members. I can’t wait to hear from Bedworth residents in the coming weeks about their ideas for how this £20 million should be spent.

Rachel said:

From poor public services to our neglected town centre, Bedworth residents are impatient for change in our town after years of decline. Last year I left no stone unturned in my efforts to ensure the government knew just how badly Bedworth needed the Plan for Neighbourhoods, so it’s really exciting to now be working with Bill and the community in Bedworth to deliver this exciting project.

 

Whether it’s taking action on crime and antisocial behaviour, championing local businesses, or just making the place feel loved again, this funding will make a huge difference in Bedworth and I’m delighted to be getting started.