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Funding from Wyre Forest District Council’s Localism initiative is to help Wolverley and Cookley Parish Council take on extra duties to keep the villages clean, tidy and looking good.

Under the new three year agreement responsibility for cutting grass verges, picking up litter and emptying bins in the two villages will transfer from WFDC to the parish council on 1 April 2019. The deal involves WFDC giving the parish council grants over the three years to cover costs.

Localism is a way of allowing local bodies, including community organisations, parish and town councils to have a greater say in how services are run, giving them extra freedom over how they are organised to meet the needs of specific areas

Wyre Forest District Council’s record on Localism, which involves transferring and devolving land and assets including paddling pools and public toilets gained national recognition last year when the Local Government Association cited the district as an example of good practice.

Wyre Forest District Council Leader Marcus Hart, who leads on Localism for the authority, said: “Our Localism initiative is going from strength to strength. I’m delighted we have been able to support Wolverley and Cookley Parish Council to take on greater responsibility with financial support from us.

“Not only does Localism help local organisations get more directly involved in running services for the benefit of our communities, it can also help us make savings and efficiencies in the long term.”

Robin Drew, Chairman of Wolverley & Cookley Parish Council said “The Parish Council is excited to have this new agreement with Wyre Forest District Council for grass cutting, litter picking and bin emptying.  This now allows the Parish Council to have greater control over the services provided and by working directly with our two local contractors we feel the standards and quality of these services will greatly enhance the appearance of our villages.”