The people who will help guide how up to £20 million of government funding is invested across Park Wood, Senacre, Shepway and Mangravet have now been appointed, marking a major milestone for the Pride in Place programme.

The newly formed Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board brings together local residents, community leaders, councillors, education representatives, charities, faith groups, housing providers and businesses. Together, they will help shape how funding is used over the next ten years to improve opportunities, wellbeing, community spaces and neighbourhood pride.

Pride in Place is a £20 million programme funded by the UK Government and designed to put local people at the centre of decision making. Rather than being led by councils or government agencies, residents and communities will play a leading role in identifying priorities and influencing investment.

The Board will be chaired by local community leader Dave Creasey, who was appointed as Independent Chair earlier this year. Dave has more than 30 years' experience working across community, voluntary and statutory sectors and has spent more than two decades supporting residents in Shepway, Park Wood and surrounding areas.

The newly appointed Neighbourhood Board members are:

• Dave Creasey, Independent Chair
• Chloe Hubbard, resident representative
• Emma Tanner, The Princess Project
• Gary Cook, New Line Learning Academy
• Genette Pinwill, Golding Homes
• Leon Mileham, Connect Church / resident Representative
• Matt Arnold, Skillcrown Homes
• Kandeeban Thanabalan, business and community representative
• Sherry Johnson, resident representative
• Stacy Turner, resident representative
• Helen Whately MP
• Councillor Linden Kemkaran, Kent County Council
• Councillor Maureen Cleator, Maidstone Borough Council

The Board brings together a diverse range of skills and experience, including education, housing, business, community development and family support, alongside the lived experience of local residents.

Independent Chair Dave Creasey said: "What excites me most about Pride in Place is that this programme is different. Too often, things happen to communities rather than being shaped by the people who live there.

"This Board brings together people who care deeply about Park Wood, Senacre and the surrounding areas. Our role is to listen, work alongside residents and help turn their priorities into action.

"I want to see people not just survive, but thrive. I want residents to feel proud of where they live and confident that they can influence the future of their community."

Councillor David Naghi, Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Safety at Maidstone Borough Council, said: "The Neighbourhood Board is a hugely important part of the Pride in Place programme and I am delighted to see such a strong mix of local people, community organisations and partners coming together.

"This £20 million investment represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for these communities. The Board will play a vital role in ensuring the funding is shaped by local priorities and delivers improvements that make a genuine difference to residents over the next decade."

Over the coming months, the Board will work closely with residents to identify priorities and develop plans for investment. Community engagement activities will help ensure local people have opportunities to share their views and contribute ideas that will shape future projects.

Further information about Pride in Place, the Neighbourhood Board and opportunities to get involved will be available through Maidstone Borough Council and community partners.

Find out more about Pride in Place here and more about the Neighbourhood Board here.

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