Residents support 'community pod'
for Hill Rise, Chippenham

Photo: Hill Rise residents gather on Barrow Green to give their views on the proposed 'community pod'


Plans to install a new community facility for use by residents in the Hill Rise area of Chippenham have been given an enthusiastic response.

Westlea Housing worked with Barnardo's to organise a consultation event on Barrow Green to gauge the views of the local people on proposals to house a 'portakabin-style' temporary building in the neighbourhood for community use. As well as being an opportunity to discuss the plans for the temporary 'community pod' with Westlea staff, the consultation event also included outdoor sporting activities run by Sportzcoach and a barbecue.

Neighbourhood Involvement Manager at Westlea Housing, Helen Barbrook, says that organisers were overwhelmed by the response: "We had well over 200 people turn up to this event despite poor weather which was just fantastic. And residents were so keen to give their ideas and feedback which is a great omen for the success of this idea.

"Overall the feedback was very positive, with many people offering to support the centre in a wide range of ways. Those who did have concerns were able to discuss them as part of the consultation process.

"Over 60% of people felt there was a need to have the 'community pod' in the neighbourhood and thought that it would have a positive influence on the area. Those who filled in forms told us that they would like to see youth activities, homework clubs, drop-in sessions and children’s birthday parties taking place in the new facility. And young people told us they would like to see sporting activities taking place in and around the centre."

Westlea says that it will continue to support the project as the plans are taken forward in partnership with the local residents' association. It is hoped that, subject to planning approval, the 'community pod' could arrive in the neighbourhood before the end of the year.