Ambitious £20million project to boost deprived Wecock and Leigh Park take a step forward
Pride in Place Chairs announced for Wecock and Leigh Park
The people who will lead the way in helping to drive forward £20million changes at both Wecock and Leigh Park have been announced.
Havant Borough Council has announced the appointment of the Pride in Place Chairs for both areas who will lead the Neighbourhood Board working with local people, community organisations and partner agencies to play a key role in bringing energy, visibility and coordination to the next phase of place-based improvement.
It comes after each area was awarded £20million in funding from the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government’s (MHCLG) Pride in Place Programme for projects that will benefit the county’s most deprived areas over the next 10 years.
Ann Waters and Marie Hattersley have been appointed as co-chairs in Wecock in Waterlooville, already working effectively as a team at the Acorn Centre and bring a strong commitment to the area and a shared passion for making a positive difference in the area.
Chris Anders, well-known as headteacher of Park Community School, has been appointed chair of Leigh Park in Havant, bringing many years of experience working in the community with families and young people in the area.
The council said their leadership will help ensure local people remain at the heart of decision-making and that community priorities continue to shape future plans and investment.
Councillor Gillian Harris, leader of Havant Borough Council, said: "I am delighted to welcome the Pride in Place Chairs for Wecock and Leigh Park, and I look forward to being able to support them in their role in driving change for their areas. Their appointment reflects the strength of local leadership and our shared ambition to create lasting, positive change for the community. This government's Pride in Place programme will deliver real difference to both these areas."
Alongside the appointment of the Chairs, recruitment is now under way for additional board members who can bring local insight, professional experience and a strong commitment to either area. The boards will help guide priorities, support delivery and ensure a broad range of voices and perspectives are represented as the programme moves forward.
Boards are also being set up elsewhere in The News’ area, with Father Bob White leading the board in Landport; Father Hugo Deadman leading the board in Paulsgrove; and Kirsty Robertson and Chris Willis co-chairing the board in Rowner.
For more information about the Pride in Place programme, the Chairs, or about applying to join Wecock or Paulsgrove’s board, visit the website here. If you have any questions or would like an informal chat contact Richard Jones, Funding & Programme Officer, on 07425 661754 or [email protected]