A TEAM of official agencies is to tackle a mix of social problems in a traditionally deprived area of Bridgwater.

Sydenham and Bower in the town have experienced problems of poor housing, high unemployment, high crime rates and an unhappy mixture of social issues.

Now, the Together Team is set to take on the problem suburbs and regenerate the area through what is being called a multi-agency approach.

The mayor of Bridgwater, Cllr Leigh Redman, said: “I am really excited by this project, with a multi-layered approach bringing agencies and stakeholders together. It will make services better for residents and is an opportunity for members of the community to connect and build cohesion.”

The project has been partly funded by Sedgemoor District Council with £123,000, plus £60,000 from the EDF Energy Community Impact Mitigation Fund, £52,000 from Somerset County Council and £50,000 from Avon and Somerset’s Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Safety Grant Fund. The Safer Somerset Community Safety Partnership have also supported the project in drawing in external funding.

The three-year project has been officially launched and will now undertake work to improve the area of East Bridgwater.

Sedgemoor say the project will seek to improve skills and training and support community groups to “make their place a better place to live, work and enjoy”.

Kristy Blackwell, Together Team co-ordinator, said: “Collaborative working is cost-effective and brings together expertise and knowledge for the benefit of residents. All the agencies and organisations signed up to the Together Team – East Bridgwater umbrella are enthusiastic and excited about the prospects of the project. We think the Together Team approach will work well in East Bridgwater. The Together Team – East Bridgwater, with representatives of all the main agencies, will meet regularly to discuss issues affecting the areas residents and together we will devise plans and individual support packages to tackle any problems.” 　

Leader of Sedgemoor District Council, Duncan McGinty, said: “Other Somerset ‘one team’ approaches have seen success in reducing crime and lifting community spirit and we hope this Sydenham and Bower based project will be just as successful." This is the first ‘one team’ within Sedgemoor and we wish it every success in making a real difference to the lives of Sydenham and Bower residents.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Sue Mountstevens, said: “I’ve seen first-hand how a one team approach works in other parts of Avon and Somerset and I’m pleased that the Community Safety Grant funding has helped support this important initiative.”

How can Bridgwater be improved? Email harry.mottram@nqsw.co.uk.