An important step forward has been made in the delivery of a major government funding initiative for a Bridgwater community.
Pride in Place is a 10-year programme aimed at making a difference to people’s lives in Bridgwater South and a board made up of local people will be at the forefront of making decisions on how the funding is spent. A Chair of the Pride in Place board has now been confirmed following a selection process.
Bridgwater Town Council, Somerset Council, and the local MP will work alongside the board and new Chair, Sam Smith.
The Bridgwater South area is made up of the communities which surround the Meads which includes the Hamp neighbourhood and parts of Westover and is one of 169 areas in England to be selected. It will receive up to £20 million over the next decade to support projects that matter to the community.
Mr Smith was born and brought up on the Hamp Estate and his family has been deeply involved in the community for generations.
He was instrumental in relaunching Rhode Lane Wanderers Junior FC in 2024, after it had folded a few years before. The club, which Mr Smith played for as an 11-year-old plays a key role in the community, giving young people a vital outlet to channel their energy in a positive way.
He said:
I’m incredibly proud and honoured to have been appointed as Chair of Pride in Place Bridgwater.
Bridgwater South is somewhere that means a huge amount to me personally. I grew up in the area, went to school here, and my family has been part of the community for generations.Through volunteering and grassroots sport with Rhode Lane Wanderers, I’ve seen first-hand both the challenges the area faces and the incredible potential and community spirit that exists within it.
I truly believe Pride in Place is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a lasting difference for local people, and I’m excited to get started working alongside residents, community groups, partners, and local organisations to help deliver real, positive change.Most importantly, I want local people to feel heard, valued, and proud of where they come from. For all of my life, I’ve seen so much good in this community, and I can’t wait to help build on that for the future.
The long-term investment afforded by Pride in Place, a national initiative, is a vital opportunity for communities to address their local priorities and make lasting, positive change for residents through funding activities, initiatives or infrastructure that can improve their lives.
The area was selected by Government because it scores highly on the national index of deprivation in terms of amenities and quality of life.
The next steps will be to form a board made up from local people. The aim is to have this in place by the summer.
If you are interested in taking up a role on the board you can find out more here www.somerset.gov.uk/pride-in-place.
The key objectives of Pride in Place are to:
• Build stronger communities – bring people together to create strong, resilient communities, and help people to feel proud of their area and safe in their neighbourhood
• Create thriving places – build vibrant neighbourhoods with busy high streets, a good range of local amenities and high-quality physical infrastructure
• Empower people to take back control – create opportunities to enable people to have a say over the future of their community and feel in control of their lives.
