Community Building in Clopton and Bishopton

The communities of Clopton and Bishopton in Stratford-upon-Avon will benefit from a new Community Builder project which is being funded by four different local partners. 

Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council, Stratford Town Trust and Orbit Housing are each making a financial contribution towards the project which aims to identify what residents want to see in their community, building on the strengths and skills of the local community and working with residents to effect positive changes. 

These changes could involve sprucing up an existing green space, creating new community groups, holding coffee mornings or activities for young people. Or perhaps something entirely different.  Once the community builder is in place, they will be talking to residents, holding events and engaging with local businesses and other stakeholders to identify what is important to residents and what changes they would like to see.

Councillor Jo Barker, Homes, Health & Wellbeing Portfolio at Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "This project has attracted funding from organisations who believe this innovative project can make a difference in two communities where the impact of Covid has been keenly felt. 

"Empowering residents to make a difference to their community will create a greater feeling of community involvement.  There are two key assets locally in the Ken Kennet Centre and Bishopton community centre.  Operating these centres takes a lot of work, so hopefully with support from the community builder and more input from local residents, the centres can grow to offer more activities." 

On behalf of the funding partnership, Stratford-on-Avon District Council is currently managing the tendering process to appoint a local organisation to employ and manage the community builder.  A project board, made up of community representatives, funders and the host organisation will monitor the project.  The community builder is expected to be in post by early 2022.