The Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) Board (Crook North/Tow Law) met on Friday 26 June 2026 to discuss the ongoing progress of the programme, including updates on community engagement, governance, and the expansion of the programme's geographical boundary. The meeting also reviewed the process for quick win projects and considered next steps for the programme's development.

Programme Update and Community Engagement

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) and the extensive community engagement undertaken. The report pack detailed that early-stage engagement with local communities and stakeholders had been progressing well, with positive feedback from residents who welcomed the opportunity to be involved. Various engagement sessions had taken place, including drop-in sessions at Tow Law Community Centre, meetings at Crook Football Club, and participation in Crook Fest.

Feedback from these sessions indicated several key themes. Residents frequently raised concerns about neglect and underinvestment, describing the area as deprived and untidy, with particular criticism of derelict buildings and empty properties. Community cohesion was noted as mixed, with some praising local support networks while others felt community spirit had declined. There were also calls for regeneration and support for high streets, with a desire for improvements to benefit all areas and respect the local heritage. Housing issues, transport and connectivity, health and wellbeing, and education were also highlighted as areas of concern.

The report also detailed that anti-social behaviour (ASB) was a commonly raised issue, alongside concerns about policing and CCTV provision. Residents expressed a strong desire for more community events, volunteering opportunities, and leisure activities, particularly for young people. Improvements to public spaces, such as parks and green spaces, and the regeneration of derelict sites were also priorities.

The report indicated that three applications for quick win funding had been received and were under review: SelectaDNA, school holiday day trips, and the fitting of Multiball Screens. The Board was recommended to note the progress made in launching engagement events and the quick win application process, as well as to consider suggested training opportunities.

Governance and Boundary Discussions

The Board was scheduled to consider the governance arrangements for the formation and operation of the Board, ensuring compliance with established programme guidance. This included a reminder to new members about their commitment to the programme and the expectation that they remain available for board meetings to make decisions. The report pack noted that Durham County Council, as the accountable body, owned the risk of decisions and actions made, but that the Board and the accountable body needed to work together.

A discussion was anticipated regarding the allocation of funding and the potential requirement for match funding, with it being explained that this was not a priority at the current stage but might become necessary as projects were identified. The need to agree guiding principles for funding and to set a cap on funding amounts was also raised, though it was reiterated that it was too early to implement such measures.

A significant discussion point was the programme's boundary. Following feedback from the community, a revised map was to be distributed that included Crook Town Centre, Billy Row, Stanley Crook, and Sunniside. The report pack explained that the original boundary map had been agreed by the Office for National Statistics, who deemed the area as a Middle Layer Super Output Area (MSOA). Concerns were raised about why areas like Glenholme Park were not initially included, but it was agreed by the Board that this area should be incorporated. All boundary changes were to be agreed, with communication to those outside the boundary to explain the reasoning being a point of discussion.

Next Steps and Other Business

The Board was scheduled to discuss the next steps for bringing the programme forward. A list of potential quick win projects was to be provided to give the Board an idea of what was coming forward. Concerns were raised about ensuring all groups were engaged, with the explanation that quick wins were intended to build trust and relationships. The process for applying for and deciding on quick wins was to be discussed, with a simple application form having been developed.

Consideration was to be given to utilising supermarkets for engagement stalls, and the team was also to attend the Durham County Show for engagement and promotion. The Board was also to confirm training dates and facilitation, confirm neighbourhood board and boundary proposals to MHCLG by 17 July 2026, and continue to review quick win application forms. The procurement of an events contract was also a planned next step.

The meeting was also scheduled to include a Chair's update, a review of the minutes from the previous meeting, and a date and time for the next meeting.