Penhill, a neighborhood in Swindon, has been recognized as one of 25 “trailblazer neighbourhoods” set to receive government funding aimed at revitalizing communities. This funding, which could total up to £20 million over the next decade, is intended to boost growth and regenerate areas in dire need of support. Yet local residents and community leaders worry that the final number could be much less.
It’s an area of Penhill, built in the 1960s. It was masterplanned as a “garden city,” with new council houses and tower blocks set amongst large parks and farmlands. Yet, under this beautiful facade, the neighborhood experiences significant socio-economic struggles. Penhill consistently ranks among the most deprived areas in the region, marked by low household incomes, poor health outcomes, high child poverty rates, and diminished life expectancy.
Residents have clamoured for attention to their basic infrastructure for ages—potholes, crumbling pavement, fly-tipping, dizzying and unsafe pavements, and graffiti. Di Pithers, volunteer youth worker and street rep from Penhill, highlights where investment is really needed. His personal experience drives his urgency to act.
“We have no investment in Penhill. Nobody puts a value on our children, our young adults, our disabled, our elderly,” – Di Pithers
Pithers says the stigmatization of Penhill has worsened over the last 30 years. Most residents believe that their lives are unnecessarily scrutinized due to the worldwide perception of the area.
“The stigmatisation of Penhill has been drastic over the last 30 years,” – Di Pithers
That negativity clouds not only how people outside the community see it, but it sours how people who live there themselves see it. As we wrote about here, pastor of the Penhill Community Church David Childs-Clarke makes this case well.
“People in Penhill often think of themselves as being considered less than other parts of Swindon – as a church we do try and counter that message,” – David Childs-Clarke
There is an incredible determination of community pride that runs through Penhill’s residents. From operating a free community café out of his church to building relationships and helping his neighbors, Childs-Clarke is committed to fighting for justice on all levels. He cautions that financial aid alone is not enough to fix the deeper problems affecting this Rust Belt town.
“Deprivation probably can’t be solved just with money,” – David Childs-Clarke
It’s a dream though,” says 57-year-old resident Marie Eagle, who shares that rosy outlook and longs for a timetable.
“It’s about time Penhill had something put in place for it,” – Marie Eagle
Eagle tells the fascinating story of how neighbors rose to the occasion in a time of need, highlighting their resilience and unity.
“Penhill were there straight away, they rallied round, got furniture, clothing – not many people would do that,” – Marie Eagle
The community has a strong desire to see the core get significant funding. They’re still cautioning about how much money will actually be awarded. So the big question, as posed by Di Pithers, is whether this £20 million will materialize. He fears this could be cut to as low as £1 million.
“I am concerned, is there a caveat to receiving this money? It’s up to £20m, but we might only get £1m,” – Di Pithers
Essential services in Penhill remain inadequate. The local doctors’ surgery is open just three days a week. There is only one luncheon club open for senior residents.
Penhill is looking forward to a new chapter, thanks to millions in promised government funding. Community leaders and residents are enthusiastic and hopeful for tangible, lasting changes to come. They look for more than a financial investment, but for a developer to bring forth development strategies that will raise the community’s profile and quality of life.
In terms of improving the new neighborhood Childs-Clarke imagines any improvements could have a big effect on residents’ self-esteem and sense of identity.
“Anything that the government can do to help the reputation of an area will do something positive, to help people with their sense of identity,” – David Childs-Clarke
