Residents invited to live online Q&A about Pride in Place funding for Littlemoor and Broadwey

Residents in Littlemoor and Broadwey are being invited to join a live online question and answer session to find out more about the Pride in Place programme, which is offering £20 million for the local area in the next decade. The online Q&A will take place on the Dorset Council Facebook page and YouTube channel on Tuesday 14 April at 6pm. Sam Crowe, Director for Public Health and Prevention will host the session, joined by local ward councillors. The session is part of a wider series of community information events and drop-in sessions taking place across the area.

Pride in Place is a government programme designed to give communities the tools and resources they need to shape their neighbourhoods and drive local change. Because residents understand their area best, local people will lead the programme, deciding how Pride in Place funding is used and what priorities should be taken forward.

Over the next 10 years, the programme will provide up to £2 million each year to Littlemoor and Broadwey. A new Neighbourhood Board made up of local residents will create a regeneration plan for the area and make funding decisions that support long-term, positive change. The board will be led by an independent chair.

During the live session, residents will hear directly from Dorset Council officers and local representatives about what the programme means for Littlemoor and Broadwey, how the Neighbourhood Board will work, and how to apply to become a member. There will also be the chance to ask questions, share views and find out other ways to get involved.

Cllr Ryan Hope, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement, said:

“Pride in Place is about empowering local people to shape their own neighbourhoods to create communities that thrive. We want everyone in Littlemoor and Broadwey to have the chance to contribute and are looking for a diverse range of people to represent the community on the Neighbourhood Board. We have no preconceived ideas about who should be the chair or sit on the board, and you don’t need any previous experience to apply. Whether you’d like to get involved or just want to learn more, we’d really encourage people to join us.”

Residents can watch the online session live, submit questions in advance by emailing comms@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk, ask questions during the session, or catch up later on the Dorset Council YouTube channel if they are unable to attend at the time.

Anyone who prefers to get involved in person can also attend upcoming information sessions at Bincombe Valley Primary School to find out more about the programme. There will be a community meeting at the school on Thursday 16 April at 4pm, and a drop-in session in the playgroup on Tuesday 21 April from 2.30- 3.30pm. Everyone is welcome and there is no need to book – just turn up.

People interested in joining the Neighbourhood Board are invited to submit an expression of interest before 22 May. Applications for the role of independent chair are open until 19 April.

More information about the Pride in Place programme and Neighbourhood Board is available on the Dorset Council website.