Preet Gill MP welcomes strong community support as Pride in Place programme moves to next stage

Birmingham Edgbaston MP Preet Kaur Gill has welcomed the appointment of local resident Pete West as Independent Chair of the Woodgate and Bartley Green Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board and thanked residents for the strong turnout at the programme’s first community event. 

Woodgate and Bartley Green secured £20 million of Government investment through the Pride in Place programme, with funding to be spent over the next decade on priorities identified by local people. 

More than 40 residents attended a recent community event hosted by Preet Gill MP and Pete West, where local people heard more about the programme, shared ideas for the future of the area and discussed how they can get involved in shaping decisions. 

Pete West, who has lived in Woodgate for more than 50 years and has extensive Civil Service leadership experience, will chair the independent neighbourhood board responsible for helping guide local investment. 

Preet Gill MP said: 

“I am delighted that Pete has agreed to take on this role. He is passionate about Woodgate and Bartley Green, understands the community and brings a wealth of experience that will be invaluable as this programme moves forward. 

“Securing £20 million of investment for our area was a significant achievement, but now the most important stage begins — making sure local people decide how that money is spent. 

“What has really encouraged me is the enthusiasm shown by residents. More than 50 people attended our first community event and there was a genuine sense of optimism about what this funding can achieve. 

“This investment belongs to the community and I want as many local people as possible involved in shaping its future.” 

Pete West said: 

“I am honoured to serve as Chair of the Neighbourhood Board and help ensure this investment delivers real benefits for local people. 

“The ideas and energy shown by residents at our first event were fantastic and I look forward to working with the community to turn those ideas into reality.” 

The next phase of the programme will focus on gathering more detailed feedback from residents through workshop-style events, giving people the opportunity to develop ideas, identify priorities and learn more about joining the Neighbourhood Board."

Preet added: 

“Pete and I want to thank everyone who attended our first event. The support from the community was incredibly positive. 

“This is just the beginning. We will shortly be holding further workshops where residents can get stuck into the detail, help shape local priorities and find out how to apply to join the Board. 

“Our ambition is simple: this investment should be shaped by local people, for local people, and leave a lasting legacy for Woodgate and Bartley Green.”