Government Funding Allocated to Enhance Community Cohesion in Tamworth Following Riots

Tamworth has received government funding aimed at fostering stronger community relationships, following riots that occurred during the summer. Tamworth Borough Council convened on Thursday and approved plans to allocate a portion of the £600,000 towards two community projects, with the objective of mitigating the recurrence of problems. The riot on 4 August involved a mob attacking and setting fire to the Holiday Inn Express, a facility that was housing asylum seekers. This event was one of several incidents of disorder that erupted across the UK after misinformation was disseminated regarding the identity of the alleged killer of three girls in Southport. Councillor Sarah Daniels, who holds the portfolio for community partnerships and anti-social behaviour, stated that the money would be used “to enhance community cohesion and rebuild social trust in Tamworth”. The council has commissioned the Belong Network – a charity that brings communities together – to host a series of workshops and have “honest conversations” with local people. Daniels stated that this would help them “talk about and challenge their feelings and beliefs about people with different backgrounds”. “The aim is to “promote social integration, address inequalities, and combat discrimination”, she added. Work is already under way, and once complete, an action plan will then be drawn up. Approximately £90,000 of the government’s Community Recovery funding will also be allocated to a three-year collaboration with Spacehive, a social crowdfunding platform. This platform assists local communities in raising funds to improve their local areas through various different projects. To date, Spacehive has facilitated the funding of more than 200 ideas, providing everything from spruced up playgrounds and new street markets, to city farms and learning hubs. The council stated that while the initial two projects would focus on “community cohesion”, it was also exploring ideas around connecting people through “sport, possibly football, food and art”.