Pride in Place – Proud of Blacon

Pride in Place is a UK-wide grant programme investing up to £20 million over 10 years in neighbourhoods identified by the government as most in need of support.

This long-term investment is intended to support communities in shaping their place and help address local priorities, making lasting and positive change for their area. While success will look different in every place, the strategic objectives of the programme are to:

• build stronger communities
• create thriving places
• empower people to take back control

So far

• The Government announced £20 million Pride in Place investment in Blacon over the next 10 years.
• Samantha Dixon, Member of Parliament for Chester North and Neston wrote to every household in Blacon sharing the new and encouraging to get involved and share their thoughts through a resident survey. The results of this survey will be shared with the neighbourhood board once it has been formed to help inform their work.
• A number of schools and local community groups were visited to encourage engagement and encourage local residents to have their say.
• Local drop-in event was held by Samantha Dixon MP and local Blacon councillors to listen to local voices and answer their questions.
• The opportunity to apply to be part of the Neighbourhood Board was shared with all households in Blacon.
• Recruitment of Chair and Board has been undertaken
• Board have been appointed with an Independent Chair
• First meeting held 11 July 2026

Community projects in Blacon are encouraged to apply for up to £2,000 in funding through Pride in Place Proud of Blacon, part of a UK-wide grant programme investing in neighbourhoods.

Cheshire West Voluntary Action (CWVA) is working with the Pride in Place Proud of Blacon Board, as well as Cheshire West and Chester Council, to oversee a grants programme, with £50,000 available in total.

How to apply

Applications open on Monday 26 October 2026, with a panel meeting on a rolling basis in the last weeks of November 2026, January 2027 and March 2027 to consider applications until funds have been fully distributed.

• Complete an application online

A detailed Application Pack has been put together, outlining the process and more detailed guidance on completing an application.

Pride in Place Plans

Neighbourhood Boards will co-create a Pride in Place Plan with the wider community. The Plan will outline the community’s vision for change over the next decade. Communities will have an opportunity to have a say in the future of their area. Neighbourhood Boards will carry out extensive engagement with the community to make sure that a diverse range of voices are heard in developing this plan and at every stage of the programme.

Timescales

The initial phases of the Pride in Place programme are as follows:

Timeframe	Milestone
Spring 2026	Recruitment and appointment of independent Chair.
Spring/Summer 2026	Neighbourhood Board Members  appointed.
Summer 2026	Neighbourhood Board to confirm finalised membership.
Autumn 2026	Neighbourhood Board to submit a regeneration plan.
Spring 2027	Government expected to approve regeneration plan.

How to get involved

If you are a local resident you are encouraged to share your thoughts on the future of your community with your MP and through community engagement opportunities which will be widely promoted. 

Resources

To find out more about the Pride in Place programme visit the government website. Here you can find the fund prospectus and details of funding profiles and timelines, governance and boundary guidance, and a list of indicative interventions.