The Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) Board (Peterlee East) meeting was scheduled to discuss the ongoing progress of the Pride in Place initiative, focusing on community engagement, programme updates, and the proposed expansion of the neighbourhood boundary. The board was also set to review the Quick Wins funding process and consider next steps for the programme.

Programme Update and Community Engagement

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a programme update, detailing the progress of community engagement activities. Feedback from residents, community groups, voluntary organisations, and businesses indicated a strong sense of pride in the area's community spirit, green spaces, and heritage. However, concerns were also raised about the physical condition and image of parts of Peterlee East, including the decline of the town centre, presence of empty shops, anti-social behaviour, and poor environmental maintenance. Residents expressed a desire for visible investment to restore pride and confidence in the area, with a particular emphasis on a revitalised town centre, increased investment in young people, improved community safety, and better-maintained neighbourhoods.

The report pack highlighted that over 528 participants had provided comments through both online and face-to-face engagement. Various events, including a Spring Fair, Family Fun Day, and a Believe Housing Job Fair, were attended, alongside drop-in sessions and volunteer engagement events. Online engagement included questionnaires and surveys, with a total of 162 online responses. The most frequently cited priorities from this engagement were:

• Town Centre Regeneration: Addressing town centre decline, empty shops, and vacant units.
• Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour: Concerns about drugs, vandalism, shoplifting, and general anti-social behaviour.
• Young People and Opportunities: A perceived lack of youth provision, activities, and opportunities.
• Environmental Quality: Issues with litter, fly-tipping, and general cleanliness.
• Shops and Services: A need for more local shops, cafes, and services.

The report also noted that the consultation demonstrated that residents' concerns were dominated by three interconnected issues: the decline of Peterlee Town Centre, crime and anti-social behaviour, and a lack of opportunities for young people.

Quick Wins Funding and Boundary Submission

The board was scheduled to receive an update on the Quick Wins funding process. A budget of £117,604.00 in capital funding and £135,000.00 in revenue funding was available for these projects, which were intended to support community activities, engagement events, and small improvements to be completed by December 2026. Three Quick Win funding applications had been received and were under review: Easington Park Play, Easington Colliery Primary School, and CRT Game On. A further seven schemes had been identified but had not yet resulted in formal applications.

The meeting was also to consider the Neighbourhood Board and Boundary Submission. Following discussions at the previous meeting, it was agreed to extend the boundary to incorporate Peterlee Town Centre, along with key community, retail, cultural, and recreational assets in Horden and Easington Colliery. This revised boundary increased the population within the area from 9,300 to 10,800, which was noted as being within the government guidance of a maximum of 15,000. The amended boundary had been submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on Thursday 9 July.

Programme Milestones and Next Steps

The report outlined key programme milestones, including the MHCLG's review of membership and boundary proposals in Autumn 2026, and the submission of the Pride in Place Plan to MHCLG by 28 November 2026. The board was also to be updated on the development of a training and support programme for Board Members, designed to cover core governance, the Subsidy Control Act, and to strengthen skills and confidence.

The next steps scheduled for discussion included reporting on the progress of engagement sessions, confirming training dates, continuing to review Quick Win applications, and progressing with the procurement of an events call-off contract. A draft submission of the 10-year vision and Pride in Place Plan was due by October 2026.

The Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) is a £5 billion government initiative designed to support long-term, community-focused regeneration. Durham County Council is delivering four active Pride in Place programmes, with Peterlee East being part of Phase 2, which is set to receive up to £20 million of funding support over the next 10 years. This funding is linked to a Pride in Place Investment Plan, comprising 63% capital funding and 37% revenue funding. The programme aims to empower local people to shape the future of their neighbourhoods and support transformative local projects.