When the SRB2 programme ended in March 2003 it was decided that there needed to be an organisation set up to carry on with the regeneration already begun in the area. Following lengthy consultations with local people, organisations and others involved in the regeneration programme, it was decided to set up the West Itchen Community Trust.

The Trust has had a lot of support so far although it remained fairly low key during the development phase. Key funding totalling over £1.8m has now been secured from Southampton City Council and the South-East England Development Agency (SEEDA). The Trust is now seeking to widen its membership base in order to get its activities underway.

In addition to raising funds, there is much more to do. The problems experienced in the area are many but the Trust feels that the main ones are as follows:

Low image of the area

Low self-esteem felt by some residents

A local economy that is not working well

A poor environment in places

The Trust’s business plan is built around trying to tackle these fundamental problems.

Considerable work has been done so far to regenerate the inner city through the SRB2 programme and parts of the area are significantly improved compared to say, three years ago. A large number of training, crime prevention and youth schemes have also been successfully carried out. But the area still has a poor image and its full potential has not yet been realised.

The Trust has set itself the challenge of realising this potential. It has secured a good level of assets with which to operate, though needs to seek and secure more in order to develop the scope of its operations.

To ensure that the Trust can successfully work towards its Vision we aim to gain the full support of the community. To achieve this we need members from who share the aims and Vision of the Trust. An application for membership form is available which we invite you to complete and return to us by email, post or fax.

The Trust would like its members to fully represent the cultural diversity of the West Itchen area. We therefore welcome and encourage membership applications from individuals and organisations that reflect this diversity.

Member organisations can nominate a staff or volunteer member to attend Trust meetings and generally represent the views and opinions of their organisation.

If you require further details about the work of the Trust please contact us.