Residents of Littlemoor and Broadwey Invited to Join New Neighbourhood Board to Shape £20m Government Funding
People in Littlemoor and Broadwey are to benefit from £2m in extra funding every year for the next decade, thanks to the UK government’s Pride in Place programme.
Applications are now open to join a new Neighbourhood Board, which will engage with the local community to develop a plan for how the investment is spent over the next decade.
The board will bring together residents, local businesses, grassroots campaigners, workplace representatives, faith and community leaders and those with a deep connection to their area. Neighbourhood Boards must also include the relevant local MP and at least one ward councillor but will be led by an independent chair. The board will work together to create a regeneration plan for Littlemoor and Broadwey and agree on priorities for investment.
Recruitment for the role of independent chair for the Neighbourhood Board is now open with a deadline of 17 April. This is a crucial role for a local person who is strongly committed to the communities of Littlemoor and Broadwey and passionate about making the area an even better place to live. The chair must be politically neutral and cannot be an MP or local councillor. Some previous leadership or chairing experience is also required.
Councillor Ryan Hope, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement, said:
“This funding offers a huge opportunity for Littlemoor and Broadwey and the Neighbourhood Board chair and members are critical to the programme’s success. A key aim of Pride in Place is to empower local people to shape their own neighbourhoods – it will be the board, not the council nor central government, who decides how the funding is used.
“We have no preconceived ideas about who the chair or the board members will be and would love to hear from anyone who has a deep connection with the area and is fired up about making a difference. If you are not sure if the role is for you, please do come and talk to us at one of the drop-in events, which are listed on the website, and we will be happy to answer any questions.”
Applications are also open to people wishing to be board members. Anyone who lives and/or works in Littlemoor and Broadwey and is keen to make meaningful change is encouraged to apply. Previous board experience is not required, but experience of community involvement, a good understanding of community issues and the ability to work collaboratively would all be an advantage. The closing date for applications to become a board member is 22 May.
Lloyd Hatton, MP for South Dorset, said:
“I am delighted that after months of fighting to ensure Littlemoor and Broadwey were included, the government is delivering this historic £20 million investment through the Pride in Place Programme.
“What makes this investment truly exciting is that our community will decide exactly how to spend it. Whether it’s building new sports facilities for Ridgeway FC, upgrading local schools and key health services, or improving bus routes and roads, these decisions will be made by local people.
“I am looking forward to joining the new Neighbourhood Board as we work together to restore pride in our town. I urge everyone with a passion for Littlemoor and Broadwey to share their ideas through my survey and help us put this investment to best use.”
A range of events have been set up for people to find out more – check the website for details of these and to apply for a role: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/neighbourhood-board. Both the role of Chair and Board Member are unpaid voluntary roles, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
