A HUGE project to improve a Redditch housing estate which has suffered from 'negative stereotypes' and 'a poor self image' will be launched next month.

Voices aims to connect Batchley with radio station BBC Hereford and Worcester through a series of community projects, giving residents the chance to have a say about their own lives and to be part of positive changes.

It will be launched on Saturday, April 5, at Birchensale Middle School sports hall, Bridley Moor Road, from 10am-4pm.

Voices project manager and Redditch community reporter for BBC Hereford and Worcester Tim Coleman said: "According to the National Office of Statistics, on all the indices of deprivation, Batchley scores the lowest out of all 10 wards in Redditch, putting it in the bottom 12 per cent of most deprived wards in England.

"Anecdotal feedback to the Neighbourhood Office on the estate shows many residents often feel they have been forgotten."

Schemes already under consideration include turning an empty shop on Poplar Road into a community caf.

There are also plans for sprucing up parts of Batchley Pool, makeover projects at Batchley and Holyoakes Field first schools, an oral history project focussing on old Redditch industries and fire safety checks in people's homes in partnership with the fire service.

Mr Coleman said Voices had also been working closely with Batchley Support Group.

Cool by the Pool, held around the pool at the centre of the Batchley estate, will take place on June 28.