Mr Parker said the funding proves the Government values the people of the region

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker says a huge cash injection of more than £100 million will transform areas which have been ‘left behind’.

Mr Parker said the slice of the £1.5 billion of the Plan For Neighbourhoods scheme will help rebuild pride in communities and unlock opportunities for growth.

The scheme aims to revive high streets, parks, youth clubs, cultural venues, libraries and help and wellbeing services and transform public services.

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Areas due to receive part of £120 million include Bedworth, Bilston, Darlaston, Dudley, Sutton Coldfield and Smethwick.

New neighbourhood boards will be set up in the communities with residents and businesses to decide how to spend the funding of up to £20 million each area will receive.

Options available to them will range from repairs to pavements and high streets, to setting up low-cost community grocers, as well as co-operatives or neighbourhood watches.

Mr Parker said: “This is fantastic news for the region. It’s a clear sign that the government is listening and values the people of our region.

“For far too long, our towns and communities have been overlooked and left behind – and it’s my job to make sure we get the investment, jobs, and infrastructure we deserve.

“By working together, we can rebuild pride in our communities, unlock opportunities, and create a West Midlands where everyone benefits.

“But this is just the start and I’ll keep fighting to make sure our region gets the backing it deserves as part of our Plan for Change.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner MP said: “For years, too many neighbourhoods have been starved of investment, despite their potential to thrive and grow.

“Communities across the UK have so much to offer – rich cultural capital, unique heritage but most of all, an understanding of their own neighbourhood.

“We will do things differently, our fully funded Plan for Neighbourhoods puts local people in the driving seat of their potential, having control of where the Whitehall cash goes – what issues they want to tackle, where they want to regenerate and what growth they want turbocharged.”