Chair Announced at Pride in Place Community Meeting

Mary Creagh MP with recently announced Chair of the Willenhall Neighbourhood Board, Reverend Matthew Bull

Mary Creagh, MP for Coventry East, announced that the Chair of the Neighbourhood Board for the £20 million Pride in Place funding in Willenhall is Rev. Matthew Bull – Vicar of the local St. John of Divine Church. 

In a meeting with residents at the Willenhall Education, Employment, and Training Centre (WEETC), Mary and Matthew discussed ambitions for the area and how the huge investment could transform the neighbourhood. Several local residents, who had completed a survey sent to households in the area, discussed how the funding could be best spent. Ideas included tackling fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, renovating the Hagard Centre, and improving the streets around Willenhall.

The area is set to receive £20 million in funding as part of the national Pride in Place programme, aimed at restoring some of Britain’s more economically deprived areas. The programme allocates £2 million each year for ten years, with decisions on how the money is spent made by a Neighbourhood Board of residents.

The Neighbourhood Board will work with the local MP, ward councillors, and the city council to distribute the funds, with residents deciding where the money should go. The board will be recruited over the next few weeks. People who work or live in Willenhall who would like to be considered should keep an eye out, as recruitment starts soon.

Mary Creagh CBE, MP for Coventry East, said:

“The Pride in Place funding represents a fantastic opportunity and has only been achieved thanks to this Labour Government. £20 million will be transformative for Willenhall, and ensuring that local people decide where the money goes will mean that it can make a truly positive impact. With Matthew now appointed as Chair of the Neighbourhood Board and Board Member applications opening shortly, we will soon be able to restore pride to Willenhall”

Reverend. Matthew Bull, the newly appointed Chair of the Neighbourhood Board, said:

“There is more than enough good will in Willenhall from people wanting to see change, just not the investment or coordinated action group to make this happen. The Willenhall Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board is an excellent vehicle to bring much hoped for change.“