'Board of local people' for area in £20m scheme

A board involved in improving an area of Wolverhampton will be formed of people with local connections, after its chair was announced.

Chris Allen, an accredited adviser to central and local government, was appointed as the independent chair of the new Low Hill Pride in Place group, the council said.

A total of £20m has been secured from a government programme and once established, the board will co‑design a 10‑year plan.

The authority's leader, Stephen Simkins, said Pride in Place "provides a long-term commitment to Low Hill's people, shaped locally".

He added the board would "play an important part in supporting Chris, and we look forward to working together".

The new group would "ensure resident voices lead decision‑making", oversee early projects that deliver improvements and help strengthen "long‑term community leadership and investment whilst driving collaboration across partners", the council said.

With the chair appointed, the council confirmed that "the next phase is the formation of the Neighbourhood Board made up of local people who live in or are invested in the future of the area".

It said the new Chair, Allen had supported on the Big Local programme in Scotlands and Bushbury Hill in the Wolverhampton area since 2012, and also had a background as a Church of England priest.

He explained this was "more than about the money".

"Spending resources is relatively easy. The programme is about building a stronger community in which people feel empowered and are able to thrive."

He added his role was "to help facilitate this and support local people in achieving what they wish".

Allen was chosen as the Low Hill Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board chair following a competitive recruitment process and the government funding was over 10 years, the council said.

Brackenridge, the Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East, stated £20m was a "huge investment and vote of confidence in Low Hill and surrounding areas" and it was vital "all who live, work and are connected to the area have their say".

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.