The Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) Board for Crook North/Tow Law is scheduled to meet on Monday 3 August 2026. The meeting will focus on updates regarding the Pride in Place Programme, including engagement feedback, 'quick win' project submissions, and the programme's overall progress. Discussions are also expected to cover the programme's boundary and future steps.

Programme Update and Engagement Feedback

A significant portion of the meeting is scheduled to be dedicated to a comprehensive update on the Pride in Place Programme. This update will cover the progress made in engaging with local communities and stakeholders, with feedback indicating a strong desire for a safer, cleaner, and more active community. Residents have highlighted the need for improvements to local infrastructure, regeneration of neglected sites, better facilities, and increased opportunities for community participation. A key concern raised is the issue of anti-social behaviour, with a suggestion that more activities for young people could help combat this.

The programme has received substantial feedback, with residents frequently mentioning neglect and underinvestment, community cohesion issues, the need for regeneration and high street improvements, and concerns about housing standards and transport connectivity. There is also a clear demand for more health and wellbeing opportunities, particularly for young people and families, and a desire for better support for community centres.

The report pack indicates that engagement activities have included various drop-in sessions, walkabouts, and attendance at local events such as Crook Fest and Tow Law Fun Day. Feedback from these sessions has been compiled, with the top ten most frequently raised issues including activities for young people, anti-social behaviour, transport issues, derelict buildings, and public space improvements.

'Quick Wins' Projects

The board is expected to review the progress of the 'quick wins' programme, which aims to fund smaller, community-led projects. The budget allocated for these initiatives includes £117,604 in capital funding and £135,000 in revenue funding. Several applications have been received and are being reviewed, including proposals for a Crook Winter Light Parade, a community defibrillator in Tow Law, support for The Newmarket Sunday League Football Team, and the Tow Law Flower Festival. The meeting will also consider potential future schemes, such as improvements to Crook Community Centre and play equipment in Roddymoor.

Boundary and Next Steps

The meeting agenda includes a discussion on the Crook North/Tow Law Pride in Place boundary. The reports indicate that the boundary has been revised to include surrounding areas of Crook Town Centre, Billy Row, Stanley Crook, and Sunniside, increasing the population covered by the programme. The board is also scheduled to discuss the next steps for the programme, which include defining the vision for Crook North/Tow Law, confirming training dates for board members, continuing to assess 'quick win' applications, and progressing with the procurement of an events contract. The ultimate goal is to present a draft submission of the 10-year vision and Pride in Place Plan by October 2026, with a final submission to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) by 28 November 2026.

The Pride in Place Programme is a £5 billion government initiative designed to support long-term, community-focused regeneration across Great Britain. The Crook North/Tow Law area, as part of Phase 2, is set to receive up to £20 million of funding support over the next 10 years, linked to a Pride in Place Investment Plan. This funding is intended to empower local people to shape the future of their neighbourhoods and support transformative local projects. The council is acting as the accountable body for this funding, ensuring it is spent in line with procurement regulations and other legal frameworks.

The programme aims to foster a community-led approach, with the board and local representatives, including MP S Rushworth, working to ensure the community owns and drives the process. Engagement activities have been extensive, involving residents, community groups, and local schools to gather views on potential interventions. The programme also includes a training and support programme for board members to enhance their skills and effectiveness.

The report pack also details the financial aspects of the programme, including capacity funding received by the council to support engagement and board establishment, and the expenditure incurred to date. It also outlines the legal implications, noting the governance requirements and the potential use of existing council powers to support regeneration efforts.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at Howden le Wear Village Hall.