POPCAN is showing what can be achieved with resident-led action in Westbury. C2 joined them for the first Open Westbury, an evening that was a starting place to explore what else is possible in the Wiltshire town.

C2’s Hazel Stuteley and Grenville Chappel were guest speakers at the initiative organised by Ryan Child, of Westbury Town Council.

Hazel and Grenville spoke about the C2 experience and the Beacon Regeneration Project in Falmouth. And they urged residents to form a community partnership with other groups. 

Ahead of the meeting, Ryan told the Wiltshire Times: “We hope this event will illustrate how powerful resident-led action can be through Hazel and Grenville’s speeches

“We will be showing the work of POPCAN in Westbury how resident-led action is already shaping the town.

“What we are really looking for is a sense of ownership for the people of Westbury to look at the town and how we can improve it together.”

The meeting was to address the questions: ‘What do you love about where you live in Westbury?’ ‘What action could you take to improve it?’

There was a lot of positive energy after the Open Westbury meeting, which had around 100 people take part.

Scott Jacobs-Lange of Sovereign Housing tweeted: “An incredible turn-out for the first #OpenWestbury event tonight. So many ideas and so much networking. Possibility space is well and truly open! Thanks to all who attended and supported. More soon!”

Tina Devereux said: “What a great evening. Thank you Hazel and Granville. Lovely to finally meet you both. Keep up the good luck and the encouragement of others @ScottJacoLange @sovereignha What an inspiration you are. All communities need C2 engagement.

And Michelle Smith commented on numbers in attendance. “What a turnout – amazing!” she said.

The Westbury & Warminster Community Engagement Manager tweeted: “Brilliant first Open Westbury event this evening. Well done to all who made it happen.

“Great to see a full house for the second community engagement event in a month at the Laverton. Proves that people are keen to get involved. Great things to come in #Westbury.”

Ryan said: “Open Westbury will be meeting at least six times through 2020 to share success stories, challenges and shared goals that the community can work on together.”