BARNSLEY Council’s ruling cabinet members approved a £3.5m investment to ‘revitalise and empower’ communities through the Love Where You Live programme.
The council’s Love Where You Live campaign was initially launched in 2013 - and over a decade later bosses are relaunching it with a new ambition.
As part of the council’s budget, they have allocated £3.5m to the scheme - £1.5m in revenue funding and £2.115m in capital investment to ‘drive real change’ in neighbourhoods.
The funding will be used to keep streets clean, empower residents to have their say, build stronger and more connected communities while also supporting local schemes and projects.
The scheme was approved by the ruling cabinet members at a meeting on Wednesday.
A report said: “There are several proposed investments that enhance the local environment, including new equipment and front-line resources for environmental maintenance.
“This work will be undertaken by the council’s neighbourhood services teams aligned to the six area council localities as part of ongoing developments to support the team around the community.
“A minimum of twelve new employees will be recruited for this additional environmental maintenance work and the neighbourhood services team will review options for committed locally based teams rather than borough wide delivery.
“We proposed creating a high-profile project for each ward in Barnsley, with £25,000 allocated to each ward.
“These projects must include community ownership and involvement, providing opportunities to improve local areas.
“They could enhance facilities like play equipment in parks.”
The council are hoping that residents will provide some insight into what they want to see through the scheme.
A spokesperson said: “Barnsley is more than just a place, it’s our home.
“It’s where we live, work and raise our families.
“If there’s one thing we know about Barnsley people, it’s that we care.
“We care about our streets, our neighbours and our shared future.
“Love Where You Live is about all of us, working together, listening to each other and making a real difference.
“We want to hear from you.
“Your ideas, your hopes, your vision for our borough.
“Because when we join together, we can create a Barnsley that works for everyone.”
