A PROJECT to improve conditions in Malvern’s Pickersleigh ward is asking for £22,900 to knock on residents’ doors and tell them about what public services are available.

The Big Pickersleigh Project was set up by the Malvern Hills Partnership in response to news that the ward is among the top 10 per cent most deprived in the country for education, and in the top 20 per cent for income and employment.

The project aims to improve liveability, improve access to public services, transform neighbourhoods and empower local people.

The “door knocker” project will involve an intensive programme of home visits telling residents about services and making referrals wherever possible.

Among the services envisaged are safety checks by the fire brigade, health and wellbeing checks by the NHS and energy advice and support.

On Tuesday, Malvern Hills District Council’s executive committee is being asked to approve a £22,900 grant to fund the project.

Coun Val Myatt, who is also chairman of the Pickersleigh Partnership Board, which runs the Big Pickersleigh Project, said: “We’ve already had trials and they have been very successful.

People are eager to learn about what is available.”