Residents in the Birchwood area of Lincoln are set to benefit from a major new initiative, with the community selected to receive an investment of £20 million over the next ten years.
Residents in the Birchwood area of Lincoln are set to benefit from a major new initiative, with the community selected to receive an investment of £20 million over the next ten years through the government’s Pride in Place programme.
The initiative will support improvements that matter most to local people, helping to strengthen communities, enhance neighbourhood spaces and create new opportunities for residents.
Pride in Place is being championed locally by Hamish Falconer, MP for Lincoln, who will work closely with City of Lincoln Council, which will act as the accountable body responsible for managing the funding.
Birchwood has been chosen as Lincoln’s focus for the programme, recognising both the strengths of the local community and the opportunities presented by wider growth in the area, including the nearby Charterholme development.
To help guide the programme locally, a Neighbourhood Board will be created to bring together community representatives, partners and local organisations to help shape how the funding is used over the next decade.
Recruitment has now begun for an independent Chair and Deputy Chair of the Board. The roles will help bring local people together to share ideas and ensure the programme reflects the priorities of the Birchwood community.
The Chair will act as a voice for the neighbourhood and help lead the board in an open and collaborative way, supporting residents to shape projects that improve their area.
The Deputy Chair will work alongside the Chair to support the board and help drive community involvement in the programme.
Applications for the roles are now open, and people with a strong connection to Birchwood who are passionate about improving their community are encouraged to come forward.
Hamish Falconer, MP for Lincoln, said:
"This £20 million investment is a major opportunity for Birchwood and for the people who live there. Pride in Place is about putting real power into the hands of local communities so residents can help shape the future of their neighbourhood.
“I’m really pleased that I secured this much needed funding for Birchwood, and I am looking forward to working with the City Council, community groups and local residents to ensure this funding delivers lasting improvements for the area”
Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Leader at City of Lincoln Council, said:
“This funding provides an important opportunity to work alongside residents and partners to support the Birchwood community and ensure the area continues to thrive. Establishing the Neighbourhood Board will help make sure local voices are at the heart of how the programme develops.”
Pride in Place is a government programme designed to put power into the hands of local communities in neighbourhoods across the country. The long-term funding supports local people to help shape their area by focusing on building stronger communities, creating thriving places and empowering residents to take an active role in the future of their neighbourhood.
People interested in applying for the Chair or Deputy Chair roles, or finding out more about the programme, can contact the council at prideinplace@lincoln.gov.uk.