Plans to invest £20million in Tredegar have taken a positive step forward with the appointment of a Chair to the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board.
Rev’d Matt Davis will lead the board, which will be made up of local residents and partners and will decide how the money is spent locally to help regenerate and revitalise the area.
Matt, the vicar at St George’s Church, Tredegar, was appointed following a recruitment process. He is already very active in the local community through church services and activities including luncheon clubs and toddler groups.
Matt says:
“I am incredibly passionate about Tredegar and its future. Although I was not born here, I have developed a deep love for the town, its people and its strong sense of community. I applied to be Chair of Pride in Place Board because I want the area to prosper for the benefit of local people and for all the people who call this place home, for them to have greater hope, ambition and opportunity. This funding could help turn good ideas into lasting change. I want to help the Board listen well, work positively together and build a confident, hopeful future for Tredegar.”
Matt is now looking for eight local people to join him in this important task and is particularly keen to hear from people with the following interests, experience and skills.
- Finance (money management, funding, budgeting)
- Young Person (youth voice, youth services, young people’s opportunities)
- Older Person (supporting older residents, ageing well)
- Environment (green spaces, sustainability, local environment)
- Business / Economy (local jobs, business growth, high streets)
- Community / Voluntary (community groups, volunteering, local networks)
- Skills & Education (training, schools, employability)
- Health & Wellbeing (physical & mental health, community wellbeing)
To find out what’s involved with being on the Neighbourhood Board and to register your interest click here. Expressions of interest close on the 31st of July.
The UK Government’s ‘Pride in Place’ Programme will see up to £5 billion given to nearly 250 areas across the UK. Tredegar will receive £20 million of funding and support over the next 10 years to make long-term improvements that residents want.
Blaenau Gwent Council put forward the Sirhowy Valley as the neighbourhood to receive the funding based on the UK Government’s criteria.
As Chair, Matt will help establish and lead the Neighbourhood Board, ensuring that residents, businesses, community groups and voices from Tredegar are represented as plans move forward.
Blaenau Gwent Council Leader, Stephen Thomas said:
“This is a significant step forward in the Pride in Place programme and, together with all the councillors for Tredegar, I would like to congratulate Matt on his appointment. The best thing about this programme is that how the money is spent is truly in the hands of the community through the Neighbourhood Board, which will identify the priorities and approve projects. This way it has the opportunity to be used on what really matters to local people.
“Wider community involvement is going to be key and once established, the board will be engaging with residents to help shape the future plans, and I would urge the whole community to get involved.”
Nick Smith MP said:
“I’m delighted that Rev’d Matt Davis has been appointed to chair the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board. Matt is a valued part of the Tredegar community and has a genuine passion for the town and its future. This £20 million investment from the UK Labour Government is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to support projects that local people want to see.
“What’s especially important is that spending decisions will be made by the community itself, through the Neighbourhood Board. I would encourage anyone with the skills, experience and enthusiasm to help shape Tredegar’s future to consider putting themselves forward. By working together, we can make the most of this funding and create improvements that will be felt for many years to come.”
