The Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) Board (Stanley South) meeting was scheduled to discuss the progress of the programme, including community engagement findings and the allocation of Quick Win funding. The board was also set to review future salary charges for operational delivery and consider correspondence regarding the neighbourhood board and boundary submission.

Programme Update and Community Engagement

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a programme update, focusing on the extensive community engagement undertaken by the Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) in Stanley South. The report highlighted that over 600 participants had provided feedback through online and face-to-face sessions, aligning with findings from Durham County Council's Strategic Place Plan engagement, which involved 1,172 people.

Key themes emerging from the engagement included a strong sense of community pride in Stanley's heritage and spirit, alongside recognition of significant challenges. Residents expressed a desire for the revitalisation of Stanley town centre, particularly along Front Street, tackling anti-social behaviour, creating more opportunities for young people, and improving the physical environment. A targeted survey commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) also echoed these sentiments.

The report detailed recurring issues such as empty shops, derelict buildings, and a lack of vibrancy in the town centre, with specific mention of the future of Berties Bar, the Board School site, and the Civic Hall as potential redevelopment opportunities. Concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour, including dangerous riding of motorbikes and scooters, vandalism, and intimidating behaviour, were also prominent, leading to calls for increased policing, CCTV, and community wardens.

Opportunities for young people were identified as a key area for development, with suggestions for more youth clubs, sports activities, and creative programmes. The condition of roads and transport infrastructure, including potholes and inadequate public transport, were also raised, alongside parking issues. Existing community facilities and organisations were recognised as valuable assets, with a desire to see stronger networks and improved communication between them. Health, wellbeing, and leisure were discussed, with the Louisa Centre noted as an important asset, though accessibility and affordability were concerns. The environment and public realm, including litter, fly-tipping, and the maintenance of green spaces, were also highlighted as areas for improvement. Finally, residents expressed a need for better-paid jobs, support for local businesses, and improved skills provision.

The report also noted that the agreed boundary for the programme had been submitted to MHCLG for approval, with a population of 13,500 now included.

Quick Wins and Funding

The meeting was scheduled to review the progress of Quick Win projects, which are smaller, time-bound initiatives designed to deliver immediate benefits. A budget of £117,604 in capital funding and £135,000 in revenue funding was allocated for these projects. Fourteen funding applications had been received, with seven approved following assessment against programme criteria and community feedback. These approved projects included initiatives such as garden parties and creative workshops for Just for Women, a mobile outdoor unit for the same organisation, a Summer Fair Blue Lights Event for Durham Constabulary, funding for an artist hub group by Durham County Council, and a new heating system for Stanley Young People's Club.

One application from the White Room Music Café to fund a gig by the Pitmen Poets was rejected due to concerns about its inclusivity for all residents within the programme boundary. A further six applications were under assessment, and 14 additional schemes had been identified but had not yet received formal applications.

The board was recommended to note the progress on Quick Win applications and endorse the delegated approval of time-bound quick wins undertaken in consultation with the chair.

Governance and Future Planning

The meeting was also scheduled to address future salary charges for operational delivery, with a recommendation for the board to note this discussion. Correspondence regarding the assessment outcome of the Stanley South Neighbourhood Board and Boundary Submission was to be reviewed.

The report indicated that the Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) is a £5 billion government initiative aimed at supporting long-term, community-focused regeneration. Stanley South is one of four neighbourhoods in County Durham selected to participate in Phase 2 of the programme, which is set to receive up to £20 million in funding over the next 10 years. This funding is linked to an Investment Plan comprising 63% capital and 37% revenue funding.

Key milestones included the submission of the Board membership and revised boundary to MHCLG on 9th July, with confirmation of assessment and approval received on 11th August. A condition was applied requiring all governance documentation to be published on an accessible website by 30th November 2026. The board was also advised to formally review future arrangements for operational delivery salary costs when the current commitment expires in November 2026.

The board was recommended to note the suggested training development and information sharing opportunities available to all board members and to note the approval of the Board and Boundary Submission.

The meeting was also to discuss the development of a comprehensive communications strategy to support programme objectives and maximise resident engagement, with a detailed strategy proposed for presentation and approval in October. The board was also to present a draft submission of the 10-year vision and Pride in Place Plan by October 2026, with a final submission to MHCLG by 30th November.

The report also outlined the legal, financial, consultation, and staffing implications of the programme. The council is acting as the accountable body for the programme, with £20 million allocated and capacity funding of £541,066 released to support engagement and board establishment.

Other Business

Under Any Other Business, discussions were scheduled to include the potential to access other funding sources or matched funding for VEX equipment in schools to increase STEM activities. The appointment of a business representative from a business on Front Street was also to be discussed, along with the confirmation of Father Michael Eaton-Wells as the faith representative. The potential investment in projection equipment for board meetings and exploring match funding schemes for initiatives like the woman and girls transport scheme were also on the agenda. The board was also to discuss increasing its social media presence and the possibility of a separate webpage for Pride in Place to emphasize its community-led nature. The requirement for members to request printed meeting papers in advance was also to be confirmed. The police representative position was to be discussed, with an agreement that the position should be open to any available police officer at the time of the meeting.