Bids pile in for multi-million pound funding pot
A multi-million pound funding pot for groups looking to spruce up the region's streets has been swamped with bids.
More than 140 bids have been received from organisations hoping to win support from the Better Streets Community Fund.
Better paths, improved street lighting, secure bike storage and on street car parking restrictions are among a string of ideas put forward
The fund was launched in May by Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street in May to support small-scale projects making it easier or safer to cycle and walk.
Mr Street said: “As well as being great exercise and a fun way to explore the region, cycling and walking are crucial to reducing congestion and tackling climate change.
“However people often say there is something stopping them, such as cars blocking the pavement or a lack of a safe crossing, which is why we set up the Better Streets Community Fund.
“With that in mind I am delighted so many people and groups have come forward and applied for the fund, telling us what they think will make their neighbourhoods safer and ultimately encourage more people to get out on two wheels or their two feet.”
Bids have piled in from across the region, including six from Wolverhampton, nine from Walsall, 13 from Dudley and 15 from Sandwell.
Ideas suggested include better paths around parks, planters outside schools to stop cars parking on the pavements and requests to block rat runs to make streets safer for pedestrians.
Now staff from Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), will work with council officers to select the best bids.
The Better Streets Community Fund was set up from the larger £23 million Transforming Cities Fund allocated to cycling and walking by the WMCA.
Winning bids will be announced within the next three months.
