Walsall Council has welcomed the Government’s announcement that Blakenall is set to receive up to £20 million over the next ten years as part of the national Pride in Place programme. The long-term investment aims to support regeneration, strengthen local opportunities, and empower residents to play an active role in shaping the future of their community.
Councillor Adam Hicken, Portfolio Holder for Enforcement & Safe Communities, has emphasised the council’s commitment to ensuring the programme is genuinely community-led. While the council awaits final guidance from the Government, it has confirmed that neighbourhood boards will be central to the decision-making process, with the council acting as the accountable body.
Councillor Hicken said:
“The Pride in Place programme is a significant opportunity for Blakenall, and I am determined to get it right. I will not rush into making promises until all the facts and responsibilities are clear, but my commitment is to ensure local residents are properly represented and that every decision delivers real outcomes for the community.“
Once full Government guidance is received, the council plans to move quickly to establish a local board composed of residents and community partners, making sure local voices are present at every stage.
The council has stressed that transparency will underpin the entire process. A Cabinet report is currently being prepared to set out the proposed governance arrangements, guaranteeing robust oversight of how funding is allocated and spent.
Regular updates on spending, project progress, and agreed priorities will be published, and the council will continue to work closely with residents throughout the programme’s delivery.
No major decisions or commitments will be made until all funding conditions and responsibilities are fully confirmed by the Government. The council has been clear that every pound invested must translate into meaningful and visible improvements for people living in Blakenall South.
The council acknowledges that some residents felt previous regeneration efforts in the early 2000s did not deliver the lasting impact they had hoped for. In response, this programme will put community involvement, transparency, and accountability at its core.
Lessons from earlier initiatives—such as the importance of clear objectives, continuous monitoring, and strong engagement with local people—will guide how the new funding is delivered.
The future Pride in Place board will work closely with residents and partner organisations to identify priorities, oversee delivery, and track results. The aim is to ensure the investment brings long-term, positive change that the community can see and feel.