A SOCIAL enterprise campaign has been launched to rejuvenate Earlsdon high street.
It was the brainchild of Dharmender Rai who has lived in Earlsdon for a number of years, laid down his roots and had a family there.
He said time – compounded by Covid – had led to a change in the feel of the area and he wants to restore pride into Earlsdon high street and, with tender loving care, ‘bring it back to its once-thriving former self’.
Residents, businesses, schools and councillors are being enlisted to come together, share their experiences, opinions and ideas and look at the issues facing the Earlsdon community and high street.
He said: “Once we understand the key issues, the idea will be to work hand-in-hand with the city council to try and address them and ensure the local community and residents have a seat at the table and a voice.
“If this approach is successful I would like to roll this out to high streets, such as Hillfields and Foleshill Road, and maybe other areas of Coventry so the whole city benefits.”
Dharmender posted on social media to gauge public opinion about how Earlsdon residents felt about their high street and said the response was ‘phenomenal’ with key issues raised and innovative ideas put forward.
A crowdfunding page followed which generated more than £1,500 in less than two months.
He said now – after local councillors expressed support for the initial exploratory phase – a workshop would be set up for all interested parties to attend.
The cash will pay for a specialist to lead the session and – taking everyone’s views, issues and ideas into account – put together a professional evaluation report containing the list of challenges and opportunities.
Dharmender added: “I really think we have the potential to do something special here and be front and centre of a local rejuvenation project that has residents and real people in the driving seat.
“When I started this I hoped others would get involved because this is for everyone in Earlsdon – they have all already been brilliant and exceeded my expectations.
“We’re now looking forward to progressing the project and putting Earlsdon back where it belongs.”
Anyone interested in becoming involved can email Dharmender at [email protected] for more information.
Also find out more at instagram.com/earlsdon_street_2.0 and facebook.com/earlsdonstreet2.0
