The board responsible for delivering a £20m investment programme in Morecambe’s West End have given an update on the progress made so far.
The £20m Government programme, Pride in Place, will see £2m a year spent on improvement schemes to the area, the nature of which will be decided by the board, with local people placed firmly at the heart of every decision.
The Pride in Place group, overseen by a Neighbourhood Board made up of dedicated volunteers from the community and chaired by Helen Bingley OBE, is working to ensure that the £20m programme reflects the priorities and ambitions of residents and businesses in the West End.
Also on the board is local MP Lizzi Collinge, who said: “It’s fantastic to see Pride in Place building real momentum in Morecambe’s West End.
‘’This community-led approach is exactly what is needed to deliver long-term positive change, with local people shaping the future of their area. The appointment of local staff and the creation of a programme base in the West End are important steps forward, and I’m pleased to continue supporting the Board as this exciting work develops.”
Conversations with residents are already underway, with the Board developing new ways to connect with people across the West End to ensure everyone can share their views and help shape future plans.
Views have already been collected through a drop-in with the MP, and emails and Facebook messages collected and analysed.
The Board has employed two members of staff, both local people with a strong understanding of the community and a clear focus on delivering positive results for the area.
The staff will work with the community to deliver meaningful change for the area, with local people placed firmly at the heart of every decision.
The board has also secured a new base in the heart of the West End, creating a visible and accessible hub for residents, activities, staff and events. The new centre is expected to open very soon and will provide a welcoming space to bring the community together.
Chair Helen Bingley OBE said: “This is about local people leading positive change in their own community. We are already seeing real momentum build in the West End, and we want residents to know that their voices, ideas and involvement are central to everything we do.
‘’There is a genuine commitment to creating a stronger future for the area together.”
Board member Joanna Young added: “Morecambe is a trailblazer for the Pride in Place programme, with the work taking place here helping to influence how similar boards are being developed elsewhere.
‘’It’s been really interesting to see how far we have got in such a short space of time, all because we have local community members willing to give their time and energy to the project.”
West End Residents are being encouraged to get involved, share their views and take part in shaping the future of Morecambe’s West End as the work continues to gather pace.
The Pride in Place team can be contacted on prideinplace@northlancashirecab.org.uk
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