Janine GriffithsA new era of community empowerment is unfolding in East Leeds as residents step up to shape the future of their neighborhood. The Government has allocated new funding to an area defined as Seacroft North Monkswood under the UK-wide Pride in Place programme. This initiative could see an investment of up to £20 million over 10 years, and local voices are being put directly at the heart of how it will be spent.
Leeds City Council provides the governance for the programme, while decisions regarding funding and investment will be made through the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board.
Opportunities for local residents to get involved and share their ideas are already well underway.
At Seacroft Community Hub and Library, people were invited to take part in Story and Rhyme Time, Stay and Play sessions and a community coffee morning as part of the Pride in Place programme. The initiative is designed to encourage residents to have their say on how funding allocated to part of Seacroft could benefit the area.
Meanwhile, Imagination Station hosted a lively Pie Night event featuring pie making, visual arts, storytelling workshops and performances by Brave Words Theatre. The evening also included stories from Seacroft and around the world, alongside a Victorian photo booth and creative activities designed to bring people together.
The momentum continues to build with more opportunities for the public to get involved and shape the future direction of the area. Tomorrow, a community barbecue featuring a variety of activities and stalls will take place at St Richard’s Church on Kentmere Avenue from 12 PM to 4 PM. Local residents are encouraged to attend, meet neighbors, and share their ideas to help shape what comes next for Seacroft.
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