Big decisions about the future of Whitehouse, Stoke Park and Chantry could soon be shaped by the people who know these communities best – the residents who live there every day.
Local people are now being invited to apply for places on Ipswich’s new Pride in Place Neighbourhood Boards, giving them the opportunity to help decide how major long-term investment is used within their communities.
Ipswich Borough Council is looking for residents and people with strong local connections to either the Whitehouse area or the Stoke Park and Chantry area to join the new Boards, which will play a key role in shaping the future of those neighbourhoods over the next decade.
The government-backed Pride in Place programme could bring up to £20 million of investment to each neighbourhood over 10 years, with local people helping decide what improvements matter most and where funding should be focused.
The Boards will bring together residents, businesses, community organisations and local partners to create a shared long-term vision for each area. Members will help identify priorities, guide investment decisions and oversee projects to ensure the funding creates meaningful and lasting change.
Funding could support a wide range of community improvements and local initiatives designed to strengthen neighbourhoods, improve opportunities and create lasting benefits for residents.
People joining the Boards will help:
- Listen to the concerns and ideas of local residents
- Identify priorities for their neighbourhood
- Help decide how funding is allocated
- Oversee projects and ensure they deliver real benefits
Councillor Neil MacDonald said the programme represents a major opportunity for local people to influence the future of their communities.
“This is about putting real decision-making power into the hands of local residents, so they can help shape the future of their neighbourhoods for years to come,” he said. “We want people from all backgrounds and experiences to come forward if they care about their area and want to make a positive difference.”
No formal qualifications or previous experience are needed to apply. The Council is particularly encouraging applications from people whose voices are not always heard, including younger residents and people from underrepresented groups.
Successful applicants will join the voluntary Boards with support from the Council, including training, guidance and ongoing assistance. Members will attend regular meetings, contribute ideas and work collaboratively to represent the interests of the wider community.
The Boards will help shape a 10-year vision for each neighbourhood and oversee a four-year investment plan, helping ensure funding reflects what local people actually want and need.
If you care about the future of your neighbourhood and want local people to have a real say in how investment is spent, applications are now open.
Find out more and apply here:
https://www.ipswich.gov.uk/communities-and-health/join-pride-place-neighbourhood-board
Who wrote this about Ipswich?
Miranda Acres
Miranda has been a Freelance Marketing and Design Consultant for more years than she cares to remember, supporting local start-ups, SMEs and charities. A passionate founder of Ipswich.love. Huge supporter of Ipswich's bid for City of Culture 2029. Born, bred and choosing Ipswich.
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