The Pride in Place Stanley South Neighbourhood Board met on Friday 4th October 2026 to discuss communications and marketing strategies, and to receive an update on programme progress. The board approved the recruitment of a dedicated Marketing Officer on a two-year basis, with a 12-month break clause.

Communications and Marketing

The board discussed the critical role of effective communication in ensuring the long-term success and transparency of the Pride in Place programme. A proposal was presented to recruit a dedicated Marketing Officer, who will be employed by Durham County Council and will work across all four Pride in Place areas. This role will involve developing tailored communications strategies, managing social media, creating content, and overseeing website development. The board was asked to consider allocating £10,000 annually for marketing materials, photography, filming, printing, and sponsored content. Concerns were raised by Mark Stewart regarding social media moderation and reputational risks, with assurances given that moderation processes would be in place. The recruitment of the Marketing Officer was approved for a two-year basis, with a 12-month break clause.

Programme Update

Julie Anson, Community Economic Development Manager, provided an update on recent meetings and ongoing project development. These included discussions with leisure colleagues regarding park improvements, a Highways and Lighting Design meeting for various schemes, and follow-up meetings with the Northeast Mayoral Strategic Authority Officers. Potential projects such as increased parking at Byron Close and a public realm scheme at Rydal Avenue were presented. The board was informed that draft investment plans and associated documents would be circulated for comment before the next meeting.

Discussions also touched upon the vibrancy fund, with confirmation that community groups can bid for support and that the fund would be co-designed with community organisations. Eligibility for business support schemes was clarified, with interest expressed in a business start-up hub.

Next Steps and Any Other Business

The draft investment plan was confirmed to be circulated to the board for comment. Shaun Meek, Lead Officer Pride in Place Stanley South, advised that further quick win applications would be sent for approval via email.

A potential Pride in Place funded Christmas event was discussed, with plans for an ice rink, snow globe, and entertainment markets. Concerns were raised by Father Michael Eaton-Wells regarding market vendors being from outside the Stanley area, with an agreement that event organisers would be encouraged to use local providers where possible.

Sergeant Abbie Dixon provided an update on behalf of the police, highlighting issues with anti-social behaviour and off-road bikes, and outlining new reporting mechanisms. Arson issues and preventative measures were also discussed, as was a police initiative to educate youths on preventing mobility scooter thefts.

The board considered the idea of creating a Stanley Event Calendar to maximise benefits for businesses and the community. An update on quick win funds detailed 13 approved schemes valued at £27,927.45 in capital and £40,240 in revenue, with a further five applications awaiting assessment.

Councillor John Cook raised concerns about the availability of Section 106 (S.106) funding¹, with Shaun Meek tasked to follow up on any potential S.106 funding due.

The board felt the programme was progressing well, with suggestions made to make meetings more engaging and to circulate information in advance. It was agreed that presentations would be shared before future meetings.