A local campaigner has criticised the recently approved £20 million regeneration plan for Darlaston, describing it as vague and lacking clarity. Alison Humpage, a resident active in community campaigns, remarked that the 10-year plan resembles something a group of Year 10 students might submit for a sociology project.
Darlaston was awarded £20 million in 2024, to be allocated over a decade under the government’s Pride in Place programme. A decision-making board was established to develop a plan, which received approval from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government following feedback from a residents’ survey.
The plan is categorised into several areas including safety and security, clean streets and a stronger town centre, green spaces and healthy living, community and youth provision, culture and heritage, health and wellbeing, transport and safer roads, and work, productivity and skills.
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While outlining the intention to collaborate with partners and explore opportunities to address local concerns, the plan does not provide specific details on how the funding will be spent over the ten years.
Alison expressed that the lack of precise information on fund allocation is “alarming,” noting many of the issues highlighted fall under the responsibilities of the local council, funded by taxpayers. She said, “It doesn’t give us anything. It doesn’t give an overview of the 10-year plan for regenerating a town that’s been left to rot for the last 20 years. Every two years, there’s two million to be spent on projects. But it doesn’t tell us what the money will be spent on.”
She further cautioned that residents might confuse the plan’s aims with council duties, such as road maintenance and street cleaning. Alison has been advocating for increased resident representation on the decision-making board, which currently comprises 16 members - seven living locally, with the remainder involved professionally in education, housing, or crime prevention.
“All we’re asking for is more resident representation with voting rights, and we want the board to listen to us. It’s really that simple,” she said. Alison also requested transparency regarding the finances, pointing out that the accounts are not publicly available, leaving residents uncertain about how the funds are managed.
In response, Manjit Jhooty, chair of the board, stated: “The Darlaston Plan for Neighbourhoods provides a 10-year investment programme focused on the priorities residents have told us matter most. We are now working with local people and partners to develop specific projects, including community grants, youth opportunities, and initiatives supporting local neighbourhoods, businesses, and community groups.”
He emphasised that resident involvement remains central to the programme as local priorities are translated into tangible improvements. Manjit encouraged residents to stay informed and participate through advisory groups that offer opportunities for local people, businesses, faith groups, and young people to influence the plan’s development.
“As chair, I am keen that the programme remains open, accessible and led by those who live and work in the area. We want local people to have a meaningful voice throughout the 10-year programme and a genuine opportunity to help shape how this significant investment delivers for Darlaston,” he said.
Further information and updates are available on both the Darlaston Plan for Neighbourhoods and Walsall Council websites.