Residents in Greater Leys and Blackbird Leys are invited to learn more about how to get involved and make decisions on plans for a £20 million investment in their area.
Oxford City Council and Anneliese Dodds MP will be hosting an information session on the Pride in Place programme on Saturday 28 February at The Barn from 11am-1pm.
The government’s Pride in Place Programme will see up to £5 billion given to nearly 250 areas across the UK. Each area will receive up to £20 million of funding and support over the next 10 years to make long-term improvements that residents want.
In Oxford, Greater Leys (which includes parts of both Northfield Brook ward and Blackbird Leys ward) has been chosen by the Government for the programme.
The upcoming engagement event will give local people the chance to find out more about what this could mean for the area, share their views, and learn about how they will be able to get involved, such as becoming a member of the Neighbourhood Board who will lead the programme, or the Independent Chair.
How will the project work?
The investment and projects in each area will be chosen and managed by a Neighbourhood Board, which will be responsible for producing a 10 year plan for investment and managing the delivery of the programme.
The Neighbourhood Board will be led by an independent chair who will provide leadership for the board and ensure the programme is community-led and embedded within the local area.
The Neighbourhood Board will be made up of local residents, as well as representatives from local businesses and workplaces, faith groups, voluntary & community organisations and others with a deep connection to their area including our local MP and at least one local councillor/representative.
There will also be many other less formal ways for local people to get involved and make their voice heard on how the money should be spent.
More information on the Pride in Place programme can be found on the Council's webpages.
Comment
“The Government has decided to invest in the Leys and put local people in the driving seat to deliver improvements to the neighbourhood and opportunities for the local community which will benefit residents for generations to come. Anyone living or working in Greater Leys or Blackbird Leys who is interested in supporting local organisations and has ideas about how to make the area a better place to live through improvements to our green spaces, the local built environment and local public services should come along to this event and get involved in the Pride in Place Programme.”
Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Oxford City Council
“Greater Leys residents know their estate better than anyone else. I want to make sure that every pound of this £20 million goes to the things that matter to you the most. Whether that’s better health and wellbeing services, support for children and young people, safer and cleaner streets, skills and education provision, or better parks and green spaces – it should be you who sets the priorities.”
“This is your chance to improve Greater Leys. I’m looking forward to working with you to make sure this money is spent wisely, transparently, and in line with your priorities. Together, as local people, businesses, councils and community groups we can make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity for Greater Leys.”
Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East
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