Residents are being encouraged to step forward and help shape the future of Blacon as applications open for the Chair of the new Blacon Neighbourhood Board, which will oversee the delivery of £20 million Labour Government investment into the area over the next decade.

Last year, Samantha Dixon MP secured £2 million a year for 10 years for Blacon through the Government’s new Pride in Place programme. Blacon was selected as one of more than 330 communities across the country to pioneer a new approach that puts local people in charge of deciding how public money is invested in their neighbourhoods.

Since the announcement, residents have already begun shaping the programme through community surveys, engagement with local schools, and a successful community event hosted by Samantha Dixon MP and local Labour councillors, where residents came together to discuss priorities for the £20 million investment.

The programme aims to build stronger communities, create thriving neighbourhoods, and give local people real power over decisions affecting their area.

A new Neighbourhood Board is now being established to lead the next phase of the programme. Made up of residents, local businesses, community leaders, grassroots campaigners, faith representatives and people with strong local connections, the Board will develop a long-term regeneration plan for Blacon and oversee how funding is spent.

Applications are now open for the role of Chair of the Blacon Neighbourhood Board and for expressions of interest to be part of the Neighbourhood Board. The Chair will act as a champion for the area, leading community engagement and ensuring local people remain at the heart of decision-making.

Commenting about the programme and the application process, Samantha Dixon MP said:

“Thank you to everyone who has already got involved and shared their views. By email, through the survey, or by talking to me directly. The biggest takeaway from the Pride in Blacon survey was clear: local people see the community itself as one of Blacon’s greatest assets.

“This Labour Government is investing directly in our communities, and this is a huge opportunity for Blacon. Now we need the community to lead the next phase of the process by forming the Neighbourhood Board and shaping how this funding is spent.

“Local people know their community best. This funding is for the local community and should be shaped and driven by the local community, which is why it is so important that residents step forward and get involved.

“I’m looking forward to seeing applications for the Chair of the Neighbourhood Board and expressions of interest from people across Blacon who want to help shape the future of our area.”

Applications for Chair are open to residents or those with strong connections to the Blacon area. Submissions should include a CV and a supporting statement of up to 500 words.

More information about how to apply can be found on Samantha Dixon’s Website: https://samantha-dixon.co.uk/pride-in-place-proud-of-blacon/

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 27 May 2026.

The Blacon Neighbourhood Board is expected to be finalised by July with a regeneration plan being submitted in the Autumn ready for delivery from Spring 2027.