Birmingham community in one of the city's poorest wards urged to attend meeting for important reason

Phillips Street Recreation Ground is one of the few green spaces in Newtown and Aston

Locals in one of the poorest wards of the city are being asked to attend a meeting to tackle issues. Residents living in the Aston Manor area of Newtown will be asked to mobilise themselves into a formal group so they can have a voice when tackling problems such as rubbish, community, safety, and housing.

There is also a plan to set up a park association to protect and develop Phillips Street Recreation Ground - a valued green space in the heart of the area.

The strategy meeting will be held at the Legacy Centre of Excellence, off Potters Lane, Aston, from 6pm to 7.30pm on Wednesday October 8.

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Bishop Desmond Jaddoo said: "We’re having a community meeting in Aston for the Aston Manor area of Newtown to discuss the ways in which residents can organise themselves like other groups in Newtown, such as Burbury Park and also Central Newtown.

"We also seek to assist the community in setting up a park association, so can manage their local park. They can also assist in the maintenance of it."