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Blakenall in Walsall has been chosen as one of 95 areas to be awarded a £20million government grant.

But Blakenall ward member, Councillor Pete Smith, has forewarned that the community may not be in the ‘driving seat’ of deciding how the money will be spent.

READ MORE: Everything to be decided by planners tonight - including new children's home

This year the Labour government announced Pride in Place Impact funding which aims to target ‘in need’ areas across England, Scotland and Wales.

The government said the scheme has three main objectives: community spaces, public places and high street revitalisation.

First payments to local authorities are expected from November 2025, with the funding period running until March 2027.

To decide on how the money will be spent, Pride

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