'Help us decide how £20m is spent in our area'

An anti-knife crime campaigner who will oversee a £20m plan to improve part of Redditch has spoken of his pride at landing the position - and said he wants to hear people's ideas.

Pete Martin has been appointed chair of a special board which will manage the Pride in Place scheme in Woodrow.

The Pride in Place programme was a government scheme to give £20m to disadvantaged areas and allows residents to choose where the money goes. Woodrow in Redditch, Birchen Coppice in Kidderminster, and Warndon in Worcester will each get the cash.

"I can't put into words how proud I am - the best thing of all is that local people will decide how it's spent," Martin said.

Martin, who has been training adults and children in self defence for more than 30 years, said a lot of ideas had already come in.

"People have suggested more things for kids to do, and more spending on improving mental health services in the area.

"This money is to be spent on what the community wants and needs - not what I want, or what the council wants, or what the police want, or what the MP wants, so we're really keen to engage with the whole area."

Plans are in place for an interactive website where people can make suggestions, and the public can also visit The Hub at the Woodrow Centre to fill in a slip.

"The more suggestions we get, the better - we want to make sure this investment leaves a lasting difference to the area," he added.

Hannah Harrison, a community worker who has been appointed the chair in Warndon, said she was determined to make a difference.

"My own experience as a young carer has given me a first-hand insight into the impact of health inequalities not only on families, but on communities," she said.

"My children and their friends are part of the generation who will grow up amongst the changes, improvements and initiatives this funding will bring.

"It's crucial we do this right, not only for our whole community today but also for the future generations to come."

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.