New plea for volunteers to oversee multi-million pound investment in Peterborough communities

Well respected community leaders with the passion, skills and knowledge to take up the positions are being sought by Peterborough City Council to decide on the best ways to spend the money granted under the Government’s Price in Place initiative.

The deadline for applications ends tomorrow and details to apply can be found by clicking here.

Two people are being sought to chair Neighbourhood Boards that will cover Paston, Gunthorpe and Welland, and Orton Malborne and Orton Goldhay.

The move follows the Government’s announcement last year that Peterborough will get £40 million of this to support community regeneration with the two communities receiving £2 million every year for a decade.

A key part of the programme is that it is locally led, by those who know their communities best.

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “The aim of the project is to put local people at the heart of decision-making, supporting long-term regeneration and neighbourhood pride.

"Therefore, it makes complete sense for the Neighbourhood Boards to be chaired by those who have the knowledge, skills, passion and commitment to ensure this huge investment in our city is well spent and leads to lasting change for our communities.

“If you think you have what it takes to play a leading role in this exciting project, please get in touch.”

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes said: “This is a transformational investment in Paston, Gunthorpe and parts of Dogsthorpe.

"But it isn’t just about top down decisions.

"Pride in Place is about trusting local people to shape the future of their own community.

"The independent chair will help be a voice for the programme and help recruit other local members as well as shape how we invest the funding.”

North West Cambridgeshire MP Sam Carling said: “This funding for Orton Malborne and Orton Goldhay has the potential to make a lasting positive impact and ensure Orton is a fantastic place to live and work.

"If you’re as excited as I am about the potential for what Pride in Place can do for Orton, please consider putting yourself forward as neighbourhood board chair; and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me for a chat.”

What does the job involve?

The role is part-time and flexible, requiring around eight to 10 hours per month, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

The chair will bring together residents, community organisations, businesses and public partners to co-create a long-term Pride in Place Plan for the area.

The successful candidate will be a respected local leader with strong communication skills and a commitment to inclusive, resident-led decision-making.

While experience in governance or community leadership is desirable, enthusiasm, integrity and a strong connection to the area are essential.

How can I apply?

Applicants are asked to submit a CV and supporting statement (up to 250 words) outlining their relevant experience and vision for Pride in Place to [email protected]

The closing date for applications is Friday 6 February, with interviews scheduled to take place the week commencing 16 February.

What is Pride in Place?

Pride in Place is a new funding programme that the government says is aimed at putting power into the hands of local people in some of the most in-need neighbourhoods across the UK, so that they can decide how to regenerate their local area.

It gives communities control of £2 million every year for the next 10 years, to be spent on projects that will make a real difference to the areas they live.

The Pride in Place boards will also include people who live and work in the neighborhood, representatives from community groups and charities, informal resident leaders, health representatives, business owners, faith groups, youth representatives and MPs Andrew Pakes and Sam Carling.