THE proposed £1million regeneration of Charford has moved a step forward following work to appoint an architect to draw up the area's future.

Following a period of consultation, Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (BDHT) has joined up with tenants and local decision-makers to turn the residents' wish-list for the area, into reality.

The proposed regeneration of the area includes the demolition of some flats, a makeover for homes so the area has a uniformed look, road narrowing to slow traffic, new porches, better fencing and lighting, more parking and improved communal spaces and play areas.

A decision on the successful architect will be made next month. The chosen organisation will produce revised drawings by the end the summer.

It will be guided by a specialist tenant-led focus group, which includes representatives from BDHT, West Mercia police and Bromsgrove District Council.

Charford resident Sue Johnson, of Austin Road, is one of the eight residents on the Charford Regeneration Focus Group.

The mum-of -two said: "I got involved because I want to see the project through from start to finish. People do seem really positive as we are confident that the plans will reflect what we want."

A series of meetings have taken place to discuss proposals and residents have also been on a number of trips to see other estates undergoing development.

Sally Rivers, senior customer involvement officer, said the chosen design would reflect residents' views and take on the best parts of the local projects tenants had visited.

She said: "By identifying what makes local people unhappy in the area, we've aimed to produce a revised plan which will meet the needs of current and future residents."

Residents who want to take part in the consultation should call Sally on 557536.

Once residents' ideas have been finalised and planning permission gained, it is hoped work will start in spring 2007.

by Sarah Mawhinney