Pioneering social enterprise for Blacon residents

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities

The people of Blacon are being handed responsibility for the regeneration of their community following the launch of a groundbreaking social enterprise.

Avenue Services – which is jointly owned by Cheshire West and Chester Council and Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) – will deliver neighbourhood services and manage assets such as land, building and housing.

Thought to be one of the first of its kind in the UK, the company will involve residents in decisions over how services are planned, paid for and delivered.

One of its key priorities will be to oversee the £18.8m regeneration of The Parade which currently includes proposals for affordable housing, retail, community and health facilities.

The company is supported by a board comprising local residents and representatives of the public and private sector, providing a range of leadership, profile, experience and local connections.

CDHT Managing Director Andrew Williams said: “While the regeneration of The Parade area will be a key development, there will be many other improvements to both service delivery and the use of assets. These are exciting times.”

Councillor Reggie Jones, a board member, added: “The launch of Avenue Services is an enormously exciting development for the people of Blacon. It places power squarely in their hands, enabling residents to determine priorities and deliver their own services. They will be supported by a strong board of members who reflect the ‘grass roots’ of Blacon and are committed to harnessing further investment in our community.”

Councillor Eleanor Johnson, a board member, said: “We believe this is one of the first examples in the country of public sector partners working hand in hand with local residents to deliver what a community wants. Indeed, Avenue Services has the potential to be recognised as a model of excellence for the transformation and improvement and public sector service delivery. The future for Blacon has never looked brighter.”

Avenue Services came into operation earlier this month and services are being transferred on a phased basis during its first year.