Earlier this year, the government announced that three areas in Medway would benefit from £60million of investment over the next ten years, with Twydall, Strood West and Luton each receiving £20million.

The Pride in Place programme is hosting a series of community events in Twydall, Strood and Luton this Summer, with each event featuring a local resident consultation exercise to ensure that the programme effectively engages with the community on how the funding is spent.

Cllr Harinder Mahil, Portfolio Holder for Economic and Social Regeneration, said:

“Community voices and decision-making sit at the heart of the Pride in Place programme, and we already know Medway is full of passionate people who deeply care about their communities – this is your opportunity to come together and celebrate the places we call home.” 

Three events have been organised to launch and celebrate Pride in Place areas and will be free to attend. The events will include amusements, inflatables, sports activities, interactive games, walkabout entertainers, food stalls, children’s craft, face painting and more. The events have been designed with families in mind, providing a range of accessible activities including community art projects, street entertainers and live music.  

As part of each event, we'll be asking people to share their ideas to help shape future improvements in their area as part of the Pride in Place programme. 

Neighbourhood Boards are also being set-up for each area to decide how the Pride in Place funding should be used. Projects may include investment in youth provision, improvements to leisure and green spaces, arts, culture and heritage, or projects which support employment and economic growth. The Pride in Place events will provide details on the Neighbourhood Boards and how you can apply to be a member. 

Once established, the Neighbourhood Boards will lead on local engagement and consultation work in each of the three areas, identify priority projects and produce a Pride in Place Plan to set out how the funding will be spent. They will also oversee delivery of the agreed projects: Learn more here. 

The Pride in Place events are perfect to walk or cycle to, since the locations are right at the heart of the local community and designed to be easy to get to. We encourage you to walk, use public transport, scoot or cycle to get there. Look out for flyers and posters in your local area promoting these events for more information!