An important step has been made in a project to bring £20 million of public money to Warndon over the next 10 years, with the appointment of the Chair and Vice Chair of a new independent board.
Pride in Place is a major Government programme that will bring long‑term investment into local communities.
An independent Neighbourhood Board is being formed to decide how the money will be spent for local residents. It will include at least eight members, most of whom will live or work in Warndon.
Today it has been announced that Hannah Harrison has been appointed as Chair and David Workman as Vice Chair.
Hannah works in Warndon and is the Community Leader of the Oasis Warndon Community Hub, where she has worked for over five years.
She previously worked at St Richard’s Hospice and has first-hand experience of the support and services available in Warndon for people of all ages.
“I love being a community leader working at the heart of Warndon,” said Hannah.
“I’m really excited to chair a board of Warndon residents who will collectively work together to provide significant investment in the area.
“My own experience as a young carer has given me a first-hand insight into the impact of health inequalities not only on families, but on communities.
“These challenges remain present within Warndon, and I believe meaningful, lasting change must prioritise the needs of the community.
“I’m deeply committed to ensuring that board decisions are made with a focus on wide-reaching impact, making lasting changes which will remain long beyond this scheme.
“My children and their friends are part of the generation who will grow up amongst the changes, improvements and initiatives this funding will bring.
“It is crucial that we do this right, not only for our whole community today but also for the future generations to come.”
David has been a Warndon resident for 47 years and has brought up four children in the area.
He runs a software business and has experience of volunteering in several roles.
He said: “I’ve seen a lot of changes in my time living in Warndon, and I love living in this area.
“I’m looking forward to playing my part investing in Warndon’s future.”
MP for Worcester, Tom Collins added: “This project is about putting Warndon people in the driving seat. I am really pleased that we have Hannah and David to lead the project – they have the skills, dedication and commitment needed to make sure the board really represents Warndon, and does the work needed to give every person a say, especially those who aren’t usually heard.
“I think we’re now in a great starting position for this project to make a real difference. Hannah and David will be a fantastic team and I’m confident that they’ll now build a board that is from and for Warndon.
Councillor Jabba Riaz, Deputy Leader of Worcester City Council said: “This is a big moment for this exciting project.
“Pride in Place Warndon will reshape the area for generations to come.
“It will be people who live and work in Warndon every day, like Hannah and David, who will lead this project through an independent board and will be at the heart of an investment plan.”
Hannah and David will now begin appointing the remaining board members over the forthcoming weeks.
You can find out more about Pride in Place Warndon and have your say about how the money could be spent at a drop-in event on Thursday 25 June at Cranham Parade between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
