Regeneration of a County Durham town has been given the green light, as funding is released to start investment.
Durham County Council has received the go-ahead from Government on its Pride in Place plan for Spennymoor, with the authority receiving £20 million over the next ten years to deliver regeneration in the town.
Since being selected for the programme, the council has been working extensively with the community, stakeholders and the All Together for Spennymoor Board to identify projects for the funding.
The plan for Spennymoor has been directly shaped by people in the town, and includes actions to support local businesses, investment in street safety and active travel, and a children and young people’s fund.
With the first wave of funding having now been released, the council and board will start on the actions outlined in the plan.
Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “The start of the delivery phase for Spennymoor’s Pride in Place Programme marks a hugely positive step for the town’s future.
“Working with the All Together for Spennymoor Board, we have developed a thoughtful, evidence-based proposal that highlights our community’s strengths and the opportunities we can build on.
“This work reflects strong collaboration with residents and a genuine commitment to supporting Spennymoor to grow and thrive.
“We will be applying this same approach to the towns included in the second wave of Pride in Place as their programmes begin to take shape.”
Alan Boddy, chair of the All Together for Spennymoor Board, said: “The Pride in Place Programme represents a major milestone for Spennymoor, and I’m incredibly proud of the commitment shown by everyone involved.
“Our board, made up of dedicated local partners including business and community representatives, has worked closely with residents to ensure the priorities in this plan truly reflect local voices.
“This programme gives us a real opportunity to build on the strengths of our town, support meaningful investment, and drive long-term improvements that will benefit communities across Spennymoor for years to come.”
The council has also made significant progress across areas selected in the second wave of the Pride in Place programme, which include Crook North and Tow Law, Peterlee East, and Stanley South.
Ahead of Pride in Place funding being released for these areas, neighbourhood boards are now being established.
These boards will guide the creation of locally led visions and identify projects that could benefit from the £20 million government funding.
Following an open and fair recruitment process, independent chairs have now been appointed for each board.
In Crook North and Tow Law, resident Mary Hall, who has lived and worked in the area for over 20 years, has been appointed as chair.
Nik Welsh, executive director for communities and customers at Believe Housing, has been appointed as chair for Peterlee East.
Meanwhile, for Stanley South, Paul Fiddaman, chief executive of Karbon Homes, has been appointed.
Recruitment is ongoing for people from each of these areas to join their neighbourhood board. The council is particularly seeking representatives from local employers, community organisations, youth groups, and faith communities.
Residents interested in joining the neighbourhood boards for Crook North/Tow Law, Peterlee East, and Stanley South can express their interest by emailing CED@durham.gov.uk.
A programme of engagement sessions, activities, and an online survey will shortly launch across these three areas. Residents, businesses and community groups will be invited to share their views on priorities for the next 10 years.
Engagement feedback will help shape the areas’ visions and determine which themes and interventions should receive investment.
For information on the Pride in Place programmes for each area, visit www.durham.gov.uk/economicdevelopment
