NEWSROOM

The programme includes £20 million from the UK Government's Pride in Place initiative, alongside a further £10 million investment from Telford & Wrekin Council, creating a significant opportunity to deliver long-term improvements for communities in Woodside, Brookside and Sutton Hill.

Representatives helping to lead the programme met at Woodside Community Centre to discuss progress so far, including plans to engage residents, businesses and community organisations in shaping priorities for the area. A key focus was ensuring local people are at the heart of decisions about how investment is used and how the community grows and develops over the next decade.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was agreement to set aside funding for resident-led projects that can be delivered early, ensuring local people see tangible benefits while longer-term investment plans are developed.

Starting with a series of events this summer, residents, businesses, community groups, young people and those who work in the area will be invited to share their views and ideas to shape a 10-year vision for the future of the community. The engagement programme will identify the projects and priorities that matter most to local people, ensuring investment is directed towards the changes residents want to see.

The Board will meet regularly over the coming months to develop priorities and shape plans for investment across the three communities. It brings together residents, local businesses, community leaders and organisations with expertise in areas including health, education and housing. The local MP and two Borough councillors, including a representative from Woodside Ward, are also members of the Board.

In line with Government requirements for the programme to be community-led, the majority of the Board's 17 members live or work in Woodside, Brookside or Sutton Hill, ensuring local voices are at the heart of decision-making.

Chair of the Pride in Place Board, Reverend Jo Farnworth said: “I am delighted that our Board has now been formed, and I look forward to working with members over the coming months and years to help make a real difference in Woodside, Brookside and Sutton Hill.

“Each person brings a unique combination of skills, views and life experiences. Combined with their passion for the area and commitment to its future, this gives me great hope that we can build stronger, more connected communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and where local people have a meaningful voice in shaping their future.”

Shaun Davies Member of Parliament for Telford said: “The confirmation of the Pride in Place Board is a really positive step forward for this project. It brings together the right people to help make sure this investment delivers the things that local people have told us matter most.

“Now is the time to start putting plans into action. I’m looking forward to seeing some of the ideas we have been working on become reality, while continuing to listen to residents and make sure their views help shape the project as it moves forward.

“The Board reflects the wide range of priorities that matter to our communities – from health and education, to housing, improving our neighbourhoods and streets, and creating new opportunities. Its role is to help make sure this investment delivers real improvements that people can see and feel in their everyday lives.”

Councillor Carolyn Healy, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Sustainability said: “Having met members of the partnership, it is clear that there is a real passion and determination to make a difference. I look forward to working alongside them and local residents to ensure this once-in-a-generation investment delivers the changes that matter most to our communities.”

While the Board has now been established, opportunities remain for local people to get involved. A vacancy is currently available for a Woodside resident, and a young person's representative will be appointed through upcoming youth engagement activities.

The programme is guided by three key objectives:

• Creating Thriving Places - supporting vibrant town centres, neighbourhoods and public spaces that people are proud of.
• Building Stronger Communities - strengthening local connections, supporting community activity and fostering a greater sense of belonging.
• Empowering People to Take Back Control - giving local people a stronger voice in shaping the future of their area through community-led decision making.

Further details about upcoming engagement events and opportunities to help shape the future investment plan will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more details visit the website at https://www.telford.gov.uk/prideinplace and for regular updates register here.

Pictured left to right: Wayne Gethings, Group Chief Executive, Housing Plus Group; Linda Adetokunboh, Sutton Hill resident and community organiser; Councillor Kelly Middleton, Woodside resident and Ward Councillor for Woodside; Reverend Jo Farnworth, Independent Chair; Aaron McCatty, Woodside resident and business owner (back row); Carl Bailey, Chair of Trustees, Park Lane Centre/Challenging Perceptions, Woodside; Martin Cantrill, Chief Executive Officer, A Better Tomorrow, Woodside; Gemma Coulman-Smith, Sutton Hill resident and Operations Manager, Telford Mind; Councillor Carolyn Healy, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Sustainability; Janet Smith, Woodside resident and community volunteer; Shaun Davies MP; and Sarah Underhill, Pride in Place Programme Lead.  

Also on the Board but not pictured are: Ruth Angeloff, acting headteacher William Reynolds Primary School, Woodside, Jade Minton, Brookside resident and Telford Council for Voluntary Service (CVS), and Stuart Cook, Brookside resident and CEO Ex-Forces to Communities.