The Mayor of Sandwell, officially unveiled ‘The Railer’ and ‘The Cracker’ green spaces in Tipton at a ceremony on Friday.

As part of funding from UK Shared Prosperity Fund, £460,000 was allocated to a range of green space improvements for ‘The Railer’ and ‘The Cracker’ green spaces.

The funding was used to tackle anti-social behaviour issues and littering and improve green space design and community engagement. 

The new, improved green space aims to involve the community and other stakeholders to increase their participation in physical activity. It will also provide a wide range of possible activities that the community can engage in including: 

• School nature projects/forest school 
• Conservation work 
• Stopping-off point for people making cycling and walking trips past the site 
• Destination for running clubs for resting or carrying out a different physical activity 
• Site for local events/meeting point. 

The council is also now supporting residents to develop a Friends Group for the green space and is currently working to improve the play area and add a large piece of equipment on the Wednesbury oak open space. 

The Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Syeda Khatun MBE, said: “These enhancements, made possible thanks to the Government UKSPF funding, will act as a catalyst to improve these factors. I hope these spaces will serve as hubs for health, wellness, and community spirit.” 

Sandwell Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, added:

“This is wonderful result for the people of Tipton and beyond. Having this improved ‘green corridor’ will give us the ability to work close with local community groups and residents to develop new activities and opportunities.”