Plans to invest £20million in the communities of Aberbargoed, Bargoed and New Tredegar have taken a positive step forward with the appointment of a Chair to head a special investment board.
The UK 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.
Caerphilly council’s Cabinet put forward the communities of Bargoed, Aberbargoed and New Tredegar as the combined qualifying neighbourhood to receive the funding within the county borough.
John Williams has been appointed as the Chairperson of a special Neighbourhood Board, which will now be created to consider how the £20 million will be spent. John brings a strong background in community development, safeguarding, training and partnership working, with extensive experience supporting young people, families and organisations across South Wales.
As Chair, John will help establish and lead the Neighbourhood Board, ensuring that residents, businesses, community groups and local voices from Aberbargoed, Bargoed and New Tredegar are represented as the long-term investment plan is developed.
John Williams said, “I am honoured to have been appointed Chair of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board for Aberbargoed, Bargoed and New Tredegar. This is a significant opportunity to work with local people to shape a long-term plan that reflects the strengths, needs and ambitions of these communities. My priority will be to help build a Board that is representative, transparent and community-led, so that residents, businesses, young people and community organisations all have a meaningful voice in deciding how this investment can deliver lasting benefits.
“I look forward to working with the council, local partners and the wider community to help turn this opportunity into positive change.”
Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Leader of Caerphilly Council said, “I would like to congratulate John on his appointment, which is a key step in progressing our Pride in Place initiative to deliver positive and long-lasting benefits for the community. Engagement with local residents will be key over the coming months to help shape the way we invest this funding, so I would urge the whole community to get involved.”
