PEOPLE in Rubery are celebrating after the area got its first major funding for eight years.

A total of £225,000 has been granted to improve and develop green space in the village.

The money is mainly from the Liveability Fund - from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) - with £160,000 being given to Rubery from the £546,000 received by Bromsgrove District Council from the same source.

An additional top up fund of £65,000, made available by the district council from a planning gain, will also help to swell the coffers.

The news comes after Councillor Peter McDonald (Lab-Waseley) and Cllr Colin Wilson (Lab-Waseley) joined forces with police, teachers and youngsters to campaign for funding for the area.

Developments are planned at St Chad's Park and Brook Road Park.

"It is great to see all the efforts we have made come to fruition. In Rubery we have been asking for funding for many years now," said Cllr McDonald.

"The police and residents have been great and helped with the campaign. It is good news for the area and its youngsters," he added.

Youth groups will now be consulted on what they want in the parks. A skating facility and a dry multi-purpose sports court have already been mooted.

However, it is hoped the cash will be used to improve the rest of the parks as well.

Rob Heard, parks and recreation development manager for Bromsgrove District Council, said: "There will also be improvements made to landscape and access, including walkways, in the area. Residents have been asked about the plans to better the park areas and most agreed they should be improved."

The money will be made available in stages over a two-year period.

christopher.flavell@midlands.newsquest.co.uk