Local community organisations win funding to improve & increase green spaces in Barking & Dagenham, in partnership with Clear Channel
18 Nov 2020 / News
Two community projects in Barking & Dagenham will benefit from a £60,000 fund, created by Clear Channel, in partnership with the local council, designed to give local people the chance to rejuvenate and create new public green spaces in the borough.
The Thames View residents’ association have been awarded £40,000 to create a play park in the centre of the estate. The community was actively involved in the planning and design of the project, to give them ownership of the space. The association also have plans to train locals to become park wardens, hold community events and involve children in the design of the future park.
“We are so pleased that the ‘Play Park on the View’ project can begin to move forward, thanks to the Borough Innovation Fund,” say the residents of Thames View. “Working together with other local organisations and groups we can continue to build a positive outlook for the future of Thames View.”
The River Roding Trust was awarded £20,000 for their proposal to plant a variety of trees along the upper reaches of the river Roding. Assessors scored the proposal highly on its potential environmental impact, noting that the extra tree cover will help reduce pollution from the nearby North Circular Road. The Trust’s established team of volunteers will work with other local community groups to bring this project to life and ensure it remains collaborative by design.
“The River Roding Trust is delighted and grateful to receive this funding from Clear Channel and to be working in partnership with Trees for Cities and Barking & Dagenham to deliver these much needed improvements to the river and its surroundings,” says Paul Powlesland, Chair of the River Roding Trust. “We believe that the river Roding has the potential to be the jewel in the crown of the borough and provide a much needed area of greenery and nature. With more trees, benches, signs, information boards and litter bins, we know that this project will not only help to restore the river, but also to make it more accessible and useable for local people.”
The Borough Innovation Fund is an initiative from the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and Clear Channel UK, in partnership with the charity Trees for Cities, and facilitated by Barking and Dagenham Giving. The fund was set up by leading Out of Home media and infrastructure company Clear Channel as part of the new contract with Barking & Dagenham Council.
Will Ramage, Managing Director of Clear Channel UK said:
“We’re exceptionally proud to be able to deliver the Borough Innovation Fund in order to help make a direct and positive impact in Barking & Dagenham, as well as further building on our Platform for Good commitment. We’ve already planted hundreds of trees across the country, built gardens in schools, and launched beach clean-up projects, all of which is having a substantial impact on local communities and our environment. We’re looking forward to seeing the two projects flourish in coming years.”
Geraud De Ville De Goyet, Chief Executive of Barking & Dagenham Giving said:
“The Fund was designed to encourage local people to contribute their energy and ideas to the things that matter to them. No one person or organisation has a complete picture of what is happening in Barking & Dagenham but by creating opportunities for people to work together like this, we will find new solutions to old problems such as a lack of green space.”
Deputy Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, Cllr Saima Ashraf said:
“I am delighted that the residents association in Thames View and the Roding River Trust, have been awarded funds to see their green space projects come to life. The Innovation Fund clearly recognises that these projects will be of great benefit to the local community. I would like to say thank you to Clear Channel and Trees for Cities for making this possible and to Barking and Dagenham Giving for overseeing the distribution of the Borough Innovation Fund.”
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