The Pride in Place Programme (PiPP) Board for Peterlee East is scheduled to meet on Friday 7 August 2026. The meeting will focus on updates regarding the Pride in Place Programme, including engagement with the local community, the progress of Quick Win projects, and the submission of the neighbourhood board and boundary proposals.

Programme Update and Community Engagement

A significant portion of the meeting is expected to be dedicated to an update on the Pride in Place Programme (PiPP). This will include details of the extensive engagement undertaken with local communities and stakeholders. Feedback gathered from over 500 participants, both online and in person, has been largely positive, with residents expressing pride in the area's community spirit, green spaces, and heritage. However, concerns have also been raised about the physical condition and image of parts of Peterlee East, including the decline of the town centre, empty shops, derelict buildings, anti-social behaviour, and a lack of opportunities for young people.

The consultation has highlighted a strong desire for a revitalised town centre, increased investment in young people, improved community safety, and better-maintained neighbourhoods. Residents have consistently linked these issues, recognising that improvements in one area can positively impact others. The report pack indicates that the strongest message emerging from the consultation was the need for a revitalised and attractive town centre that provides a focal point for community life, alongside increased investment in young people, improved community safety, cleaner and better-maintained neighbourhoods, and greater access to jobs, skills, and opportunities. ¹

The programme has also involved engagement with students and schools, local and regional events, and enrolment events. Data analysis is ongoing, and opportunities to contribute to the programme will continue beyond the summer.

Quick Wins Funding and Projects

The meeting is also scheduled to cover the Quick Wins funding process. This initiative aims to support community activities, engagement events, and small improvements identified by the community, with a deadline for completion by December 2026. The available budget for Quick Wins is £117,604 in capital funding and £135,000 in revenue funding. Three funding applications have been received and are under review: Easington Park Play, Easington Colliery Primary School, and CRT Game On. A further seven potential schemes have been identified, including projects related to Peterlee and Horden Rugby Club, Calm in East Durham, and Easington Miners Welfare.

Neighbourhood Board and Boundary Submission

The board is expected to receive an update on the Neighbourhood Board and Boundary Submission. This includes the submission of the current Board membership and revised boundary proposals to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The proposed changes to the boundary include areas such as Seaside Lane, Morpeth Street, and Peterlee Town Centre, which would increase the population within the boundary to approximately 9,600. This is within the government's guidance of a maximum population of 15,000 for such areas. Further consideration has been given to extending the boundary in Horden to include key community assets.

Training and Next Steps

The meeting will also touch upon a proposed training programme for Board Members, designed to cover core governance, the Subsidy Control Act, and to strengthen skills and confidence in their roles. Key upcoming milestones for the Pride in Place Programme include the MHCLG review of membership and boundary proposals, ongoing summer engagement activity, and the development of a draft investment plan for October, with a final submission to MHCLG by 28 November 2026.