Westlands film hopes to bust myths about Droitwich estate

People who live on the estate want to bust myths about Westlands and showcase the community spirit which makes it home in a new film.

The film celebrates the estate in the Droitwich West Ward on the far side of the town and aims to undo a lot of stereotypes about it being a rough place to live. 

Before a packed room ahead of the showing Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, said: "We want to tell the story of Westlands, and Westlands has already got an amazing story to tell."

SCREENING: We are Westlands film screening (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

In the video resident Hayley and Debbie are asked what people say about the estate who don't live on it. 

Hayley says: "It's rough",  while Debbie says : "They call it 'the Wastelands'."

But Debbie adds: "It really is not like that," Hayley adding "Nothing like that at all". 

WE LOVE WESTLANDS: The new film promotes the Droitwich estate. (Image: Worcestershire County Council)

Shona says: "People hear bad things but they go off the rumours. 

"The thing is many a few years ago it was more a rough estate but it is not like that anymore."

EVENT: Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

The film shows the work being done at the estate including litter picking, the Droitwich Wellbeing Hub, used primarily as a counselling service, and bingo at the centre enjoyed by residents. 

People living in Westlands have a life expectancy 11 years lower than in the neighbouring Droitwich South-East Ward.

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The film is part of a wider community development project which includes funding from Public Health, all aiming to improve health and wellbeing in the area. 

Dominic Arthur, who moved from Birmingham to the estate, said the film was great and the event had been a chance to meet his new neighbours. 

NEW RESIDENT: Dominic Arthur who recently moved onto the estate (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"There is a sense of community," he said. 

"I cherry-picked coming to Droitwich and I had heard negative comments about the Westlands, but it has been really welcoming and it's been a nice surprise.

"There is a lot going on."

The film, produced by Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health Team, is available to view on YouTube by searching We are Westlands.