Pride in Place – Proud of Blacon

Pride in Place is a UK-wide grant programme investing up to £20 million over 10 years in  neighbourhoods identified by the government as most in need of support.

This long-term investment is intended to support communities in shaping their place and help address local priorities, making lasting and positive change for their area. While success will look different in every place, the strategic objectives of the programme are to:

• build stronger communities
• create thriving places
• empower people to take back control

So Far…

• Government announced £20 million Pride in Place investment in Blacon over the next 10 years.
• Samantha Dixon, Member of Parliament for Chester North and Neston wrote to every household in Blacon sharing the new and encouraging to get involved and share their thoughts through a resident survey. The results of this survey will be shared with the neighbourhood board once it has been formed to help inform their work.
• A number of schools and local community groups were visited to encourage engagement and encourage local residents to have their say.
• A local drop-in event was held by Samantha Dixon MP and local Blacon councillors to listen to local voices and answer their questions.
• The opportunity to apply to be part of the Neighbourhood Board was shared with all households in Blacon.
• Recruitment of Chair and Board undertaken.
• The Board has been appointed with an Independent Chair.
• The first meeting was held on 11 July 2026.

Neighbourhood boards

The Pride in Place Programme empowers local people to shape the future of their neighbourhood. It gives communities the resources and tools to drive change themselves and shape their neighbourhoods for the better.

Local residents know what changes their areas need, and that is why communities will be leading the delivery of the programme. This community-led approach means that decision-making sits with local residents, giving people the power to shape the future of their areas.

Further information on the Neighbourhood Board can be found at the following link:

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/regeneration-of-west-cheshire/chester-regeneration/pride-in-place-proud-of-blacon/proud-of-blacon-neighbourhood-board

Now the chair has been appointed, board members have been recruited and the Blacon Pride in Place Board has been established.

Cheshire West and Chester Council are acting as the accountable body for the programme initially with responsibility for making sure public funds are distributed fairly and effectively.

Pride in Place Plans

The Neighbourhood Board will co-create a Pride in Place Plan with the wider community. The Plan will outline the community’s vision for change over the next decade. Communities will have an opportunity to have a say in the future of their area. The Neighbourhood Board will carry out extensive engagement with the community to make sure a diverse range of voices are heard in developing this plan and at every stage of the programme.

Timescales

The initial phases of the Pride in Place programme are as follows:

How to get involved

If you are a local resident you are encouraged to share your thoughts on the future of your community with your MP and through community engagement opportunities which will be widely promoted.