The Pride in Place Peterlee East Neighbourhood Board met on Friday 16 October 2026 to discuss progress on the 10-Year Vision and Four-Year Investment Plan, and to review ongoing programme updates. Key discussions included the development of the Investment Plan, communications and marketing strategies, and the status of various projects and funding applications.

Investment Plan and Programme Update

The Board received a comprehensive update on the development of the Peterlee East Pride in Place 10-Year Vision and Investment Plan. Significant progress has been made in gathering evidence and community feedback, with the Board now entering a critical phase to refine the long-term vision and finalise the Investment Plan for submission to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) by 30 November 2026. The plan aims to guide future investment and decision-making over the next decade, building on community-led initiatives and addressing identified local needs.

The Board noted that Sections 1 and 6 of the draft Investment Plan would be circulated for approval, with further discussion planned regarding the indicative Years 1-4 expenditure profile. Members were asked to review Sections 2-5 of the draft Investment Plan and provide comments within one week. It was noted that the Investment Plan would be shared with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (NEMSA) as part of the approval process.

Updates were also provided on the recruitment for the Business Representative vacancy on the Board, with three applications currently under review. The appointment of Heidi Fothergill as the Durham Youth Council representative for Peterlee East was also noted, who will provide the views of young people.

The first Phase 2 monitoring return, capturing progress on governance, engagement, and project development, was being prepared for submission to MHCLG by 29 October 2026. The Peterlee East Pride in Place webpage and the Let's Talk County Durham platform continue to be updated to gather public feedback on the Vision.

A procurement exercise has resulted in an Event Management and Entertainment Services Framework, with twelve bids evaluated. This framework will support the delivery of future engagement activities and events.

The Board welcomed the range of approved and pending Quick Win projects, which support young people, health and wellbeing, community connection, culture, and heritage. Following a discussion on domestic abuse awareness, members agreed that opportunities to support awareness, prevention, and victim support should be explored further as the programme develops.

Communications and Marketing

Members were informed that a Communications Officer will be jointly funded by all four County Durham Pride in Place Boards for an initial 12-month period, with recruitment expected to commence shortly and the post to be filled by the New Year. Social media activity promoting Pride in Place in Peterlee East has received feedback largely reflecting the priorities emerging from engagement activity, with additional comments and emails being incorporated into the evidence base. Communications will continue to promote approved Quick Win projects and support consultation on the draft Vision through the Let's Talk County Durham platform. Development work on a dedicated Pride in Place website will commence once the Communications Officer is appointed, with Durham County Council's website hosting programme information in the interim.

Any Other Business

Concerns were raised regarding the condition and management of Peterlee Bus Station, including inconsistent cleaning arrangements and overflowing bins. Peterlee Town Council is seeking to convene a multi-agency meeting to address these issues. It was confirmed that concerns had been raised through the Members' Portal and that security staff were expected to commence duties at the bus station from 1 November 2026. Corporate Director Regeneration, Economy and Growth, Tony Hanson, has also raised concerns on behalf of the Board.

The next meeting of the Peterlee East Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board was scheduled for Friday 13 November at 2:00 pm.