Jane Platt's bright pink polo shirt marks her out as a volunteer at the Big Venture Centre. The community shop provides discounted items and other help to people living in some of the most deprived areas of Wolverhampton. Places like Bushbury, Heath Town and Low Hill, where Ms Platt believes "everyone is struggling", including herself. The local council insists it is there for those who need support, but some living in the areas say they feel forgotten. "My baby won't play out in the streets," explained Ms Platt, who lives near the Scotlands Estate. The 45-year-old has been volunteering at the centre for years and said it helped her gain skills and look after her own mental health. But she claimed it was also one of the only places she felt safe in the area. "You can't look at people when you [are out]," Ms Platt said. "I try and look the opposite way because you just don't know what they're going to say." Tracey Walters, a resident being supported by the Big Venture Centre, was born in the area. The 61-year-old said she liked living there but felt it had been "forgotten" about. She demanded more activities for younger children on the estate, and was also concerned about rubbish. "I don't think Wolverhampton Council care about this area," she said. The council said there was more than £121,000 in funding for children in the Scotlands during the school holidays, adding it received regular litter picks and sweeps. The local authority also insisted 112 jobs involving roads and street lighting had been carried out. But another centre user, who asked not to be named, said it looked "scruffy". The woman, who has lived in the area all her life, said drugs and other forms of anti-social behaviour were a big problem, often because young people did not have anything to do. "It used be nice area at one time but there's nothing left," she claimed. "It's just empty houses that get smashed up. You find needles on the floor [and] nobody cares." Despite the issues, volunteer director David Chadwick insisted the Scotlands was a place where "everybody will help everybody". "Without us a lot of families would suffer and that's why we're here," he said. City of Wolverhampton Council said it was working with police and other organisations to make sure the area was safe and nobody was "left behind". "The council has awarded millions of pounds in regeneration grants in the area and created The Big Venture centre by a community asset transfer," a spokesperson said. "We hold regular community resident meeting where people can talk directly to the council." Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country onBBC Sounds,Facebook,XandInstagram.
Group stepping in where 'everyone is struggling'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Local Community Centre Offers Support Amidst Challenges in Deprived Wolverhampton Areas"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
The Big Venture Centre in Wolverhampton serves as a vital resource for residents in some of the city's most deprived areas, including Bushbury, Heath Town, and Low Hill. Volunteers like Jane Platt, who has dedicated years to the center, emphasize the importance of its services, which provide discounted items and support to those in need. Platt, who struggles with her own challenges, describes the center as one of the few places where she feels safe. She expressed concerns about the neighborhood's environment, noting the fear of being approached by strangers while out in public. The sentiment of being forgotten by local authorities resonates with many residents, including Tracey Walters, who has lived in the area for decades. Walters calls for more activities for children and highlights the issue of litter in the community, reflecting a broader frustration with the perceived neglect from the City of Wolverhampton Council.
Despite the council's assertions of funding and support, many locals feel that the resources are insufficient and that the area is suffering from a lack of attention and care. Residents report issues with anti-social behavior and drug use, which are exacerbated by the lack of activities for youth. A long-time resident described the area’s decline, lamenting the state of abandoned houses and the presence of needles on the streets. Volunteer director David Chadwick remains optimistic about the community's resilience, stating that the center plays a crucial role in supporting families. The council maintains that it is actively working on safety and community engagement initiatives, including regular meetings to address residents' concerns. However, the ongoing struggles faced by the people in these neighborhoods highlight the urgent need for more effective support and revitalization efforts to improve their living conditions.
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