A £20m Government programme, which will see a decade of investment in the West End of Morecambe, has shared a progress update with a hub in the heart of the West End and two staff members set to be in place by early summer.

The Pride in Place group, overseen by a Neighbourhood Board made up of dedicated volunteers from the community and chaired by Helen Bingley OBE, is working to ensure that the £20m programme reflects the priorities and ambitions of residents and businesses in the West End.

Also on the board is MP Lizzi Collinge who said: “It’s fantastic to see Pride in Place building real momentum in Morecambe’s West End.

"This community-led approach is exactly what is needed to deliver long-term positive change, with local people shaping the future of their area. The appointment of local staff and the creation of a programme base in the West End are important steps forward, and I’m pleased to continue supporting the board as this exciting work develops.”

placeholder image — Helen Bingley and Lizzi Colllinge MP.

Conversations with residents are already under way, with the board developing new ways to connect with people across the West End to ensure everyone can share their views and help shape future plans. Views have already been collected through a drop-in with the MP, and emails and Facebook messages collected and analysed.

The board has employed two members of staff, both local people with a strong understanding of the community and a clear focus on delivering positive results for the area. The staff will work with the community to deliver meaningful change for the area, with local people placed firmly at the heart of every decision.

The board has also secured a new base in the heart of the West End, creating a visible and accessible hub for residents, activities, staff and events. The new centre is expected to open very soon and will provide a welcoming space to bring the community together.

Chair Helen Bingley OBE said: “This is about local people leading positive change in their own community. We are already seeing real momentum build in the West End, and we want residents to know that their voices, ideas and involvement are central to everything we do. There is a genuine commitment to creating a stronger future for the area together.”

The board’s hands-on, community-led approach is also attracting national attention with strong links being formed with other Pride in Place areas countrywide.

Board member Joanna Young said: “Morecambe is a trailblazer for the Pride in Place programme, with the work taking place here helping to influence how similar boards are being developed elsewhere.

"It’s been really interesting to see how far we have got in such a short space of time, all because we have local community members willing to give their time and energy to the project.”

While the programme is supported by Lancaster City Council, the direction and momentum is being driven by the community itself, with the Government handbook for the programme saying ‘Local residents know what changes their areas need, and that is why communities will be leading the delivery of the programme, calling the shots on how funding is spent.

"This community-led approach means that decision-making power sits squarely with local residents, giving people the power to shape the future of their areas.’