NEWSROOM

At their meeting today (Thursday 4 December) the Council’s Cabinet received an update on the impact of the Councillors’ Pride Fund for 2024/25, which allocated each Member £5,000 to support communities and projects in their Wards.

In 2024/25, 100 per cent of the allocated £270,000 was spent by ward Councillors, supporting 355 community-led projects across the borough. The fund, now in its tenth year, has distributed over £2.2 million since 2011, helping to protect, care and invest in neighbourhoods.

This year’s projects attracted an impressive £145,221 in match funding, bringing the total investment to over £415,000 and demonstrating the fund’s ability to unlock additional resources and amplify its impact.

The report shows how Ward Members used Councillors’ Pride funding in 2024/25 to align with the Council’s five key priorities. Examples include:

Councillors from five wards around the borough collaborated to fund an innovative anti-vaping workshop attended by 800 students from Years 6 and 7, across 12 schools. Delivered through interactive theatre and games, the sessions explored health risks, advertising influence, and peer pressure. The project empowered young people to make informed choices and resist harmful trends, promoting healthier lifestyles and stronger self-esteem, and so aligned with the Council’s priority that every child, young person and adult lives well in their community.

As part of the Council priority that everyone benefits from a thriving economy, a grant of £600 supported the running of a steam engine for Telford Steam Railway open day and to mark the reopening of Lawley Station, and Lawley residents were given free access to the site.

Supporting the Council priority that all neighbourhoods are a great place to live, a £650 funded the installation of ‘balancing mushroom’s play equipment, along with a new safety surface, at Cherry Tree Hill in Ironbridge, ensuring easier and safer access to the play area.

In line with the Council’s priority that our natural environment is protected, and the Council is taking a leading role in tackling the climate emergency, a £960 grant funded the planting of 12 fruit trees in Fowler Close in Wellington, creating a new Community Orchard. The orchard enhances the green space, supports biodiversity, provides fresh produce and encourages outdoor activity. It also serves as a learning space for environmental stewardship, helping residents connect with nature and contribute to climate resilience.

A £2,000 grant enabled the design and implementation of a road safety scheme on Longford Road near Church Aston, including signage and markings. The improvements have made the area safer for pedestrians and drivers alike, demonstrating the Council’s commitment to being a community-focused, innovative Council providing efficient, effective and quality services.

Cllr Paul Davis, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Civic Pride, said:

“The Councillors’ Pride Fund is a shining example of how small investments can make a big difference. Every pound spent has helped build stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities, and in many cases attracts additional match funding from other organisations. I’m proud of the creativity and compassion our Councillors have shown in supporting projects that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of local people.”

The Councillors’ Pride Fund continues for 2025/26, with each Councillor again receiving £5,000 to support local priorities. The final deadline for applications, which must be made through Ward Members, is 1 February 2026.