The Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) Board (Stanley South) meeting was scheduled to discuss the ongoing programme updates and the draft investment plan. The board was also set to review communications and marketing strategies for the programme.

Programme Update and Investment Plan Draft

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to focus on the Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) and its draft Investment Plan. The report pack indicated that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) had formally approved the boundary amendment and board submissions for Stanley South. This approval followed extensive community engagement, with 1903 responses gathered through the Strategic Place Plan and Pride in Place initiatives, which have helped shape the priorities for the Investment Plan.

The engagement findings highlighted a community that is proud of Stanley's heritage and spirit but also recognises significant challenges. The strongest messages from residents centred around:

• Town centre regeneration, derelict buildings and the retail offer: This includes concerns about specific sites like Front Street, Berties Bar, the Board School, and the Civic Hall, as well as issues with empty or deteriorating buildings, poor shopfronts, and the concentration of certain types of businesses.
• Community facilities, groups, events and community cohesion: Residents emphasised the importance of community centres, hubs, and organisations, alongside a need for more events and better collaboration.
• Anti-social behaviour, crime and feeling safe: Concerns included intimidating behaviour, vandalism, drug-related issues, shoplifting, and feelings of unsafety after dark, with calls for increased policing, wardens, CCTV, and lighting.
• Activities and opportunities for children and young people: There was a call for more youth clubs, supervised spaces, affordable activities, and opportunities outside of school hours and holidays.
• Health, wellbeing, sport and leisure: This encompassed improving access to facilities like the Louisa Centre, offering more affordable activities, and enhancing sports provision.
• Public transport and connectivity: Issues raised included unreliable bus services, limited evening and Sunday services, and poor connections to employment and education.
• Cleaner, greener and better-maintained places: Residents pointed to litter, fly-tipping, dog fouling, and neglected parks and woodlands.
• Jobs, skills, education and business opportunities: Concerns were raised about limited local employment, a lack of skilled jobs, and insufficient further and adult education.
• Housing quality, availability and landlords: Issues included poorly maintained and empty properties, and a lack of affordable housing.
• Roads, parking, traffic and pedestrian access: Potholes, congestion, and parking pressures were among the points raised.

The report pack indicated that the board was recommended to note the progress of the draft investment plan and associated documents, as well as the approved quick win schemes so far.

Communications and Marketing

The meeting was also scheduled to consider proposals for dedicated communications and marketing support for the Pride in Place Programme. The report highlighted that while social media has been a positive platform, a broader strategy is needed to raise awareness, increase participation, and provide regular updates on programme progress. A key objective of this strategy would be to demonstrate how community engagement is influencing decision-making and investment priorities. The development of a single County Durham Pride in Place website was also mentioned as a potential element of this strategy.

Quick Win Projects

Updates were expected on approved quick win projects. The programme had a budget of £117,604 for capital funding and £135,000 for revenue funding for these initiatives. Seventeen applications had been received, with ten approved. These projects aimed to benefit residents across the entire boundary and included initiatives such as fun and food programmes for low-income families, engagement events, a mobile outdoor unit for counselling services, and heating replacement for the Stanley Young Peoples Club.

Background to the Pride in Place Programme

The Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) is a government initiative designed to support 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 10 years. This funding is linked to the Pride in Place Investment Plan, which is composed of 63% capital funding and 37% revenue funding. The programme's core aim is to empower local people to shape the future of their neighbourhoods and support local projects.