Scunthorpe residents urged to decide how £20 million is to be spent
A series of workshops are taking place over the next three weeks
Residents of Scunthorpe are being urged to get involved to decide how £20m will be spent in the area. A series of workshops are taking place over the next three weeks, giving residents the chance to drive change.
Scunthorpe has been awarded £20m, spread over the next 10 years, to invest locally. This was part of the previous Government’s ‘Long-Term Plan for Towns’ reworked since into the ‘Plan for Neighbourhoods’.
A key principle is that the community leads and decides on how the £20m is spent. Ten workshops, known as NeighbourhoodLAB events, will be the first step towards bringing a new vision for Scunthorpe to life.
NeighbourhoodLAB sessions are being delivered in partnership with North Lincolnshire Council, supported by a dedicated Neighbourhood Board, and with Scunthorpe Tomorrow and Community Vision driving community engagement. They will give residents the chance to share their views, including their priorities and ideas for positive change.
“What’s really exciting about the Plan for Neighbourhoods is that this is guaranteed funding for the next ten years – so it gives us a chance to shape the longer-term future for our town,” said Rob Allen, Scunthorpe Tomorrow’s co-founder.
“It’s really important that we hear from as many people now about how they want to see this funding used. The events we’re running are a real chance for people across Scunthorpe to shape the future of their own communities – this isn’t just about the town centre.
“I’d urge everyone to come along to an event, find out more about the project, and share their ideas. Every conversation, every suggestion will help guide the priorities for the next ten years.” A survey is also being run, available here: https://participate.northlincs.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/plan-for-neighbourhoods-community-consultation .
Mr Allen said it is really important that as many people as possible complete the survey. “It’s quick, simple, and makes sure your voice is part of the plan,” he said, though added he encouraged people to attend one of the workshops first. “Together we can make Scunthorpe stronger, safer and a place we’re all proud to call home.”
“This is not about bricks and mortar, it’s about creating opportunities for families, supporting local groups, and giving communities the power to shape their own future,” said North Lincolnshire Council leader Cllr Rob Waltham (Conservative – Brigg and Wolds).
Cllr Andrea Davison (Labour – Ashby Central) is on the Plan for Neighbourhoods Board. She said: “We want to use the money we have to have maximum impact for as many people as possible.
“It might be a quick win like improving CCTV coverage – but just as vital is making sure the money supports and builds on the community activity already happening.” Below are all the upcoming NeighbourhoodLAB events:
Tuesday September 30, 12.30pm to 3pm – Central Community Centre, DN15 6QU.
Wednesday October 1, 5.30pm to 8pm – Café Indie, DN15 6EH.
Saturday October 4, 12.30pm to 3pm – Frodingham Community Centre, DN16 1TQ.
Monday October 6, 10am to 12.30pm – Attis Arena, DN15 8TD.
Tuesday October 7, 10am to 12.30pm – Westcliff Community Association, DN17 1PE.
Wednesday October 8, 12.30pm to 3pm – Crosby One, DN15 7LU.
Tuesday October 14, 5.30pm to 8pm – Ashby Community Centre, DN16 3DZ.
Wednesday October 15, 10am to 12.30pm – Heslam Park, DN16 2AG.
Friday October 17, 10am to 12.30pm – Grange Farm Community Centre, DN16 1SA.
Two other events are being held too. A YouthLAB session will be held at Oasis Community Space, DN15 8LG, on October 11, from 12:30pm to 5pm. This will be a creative, hands-on experience where young people (ages 11–18) get to shape Scunthorpe’s future.
This will include the opportunity for them to add their ideas to a live mural and vision boards, work with a local DJ to create the sounds of Scunthorpe, and record a 60-second podcast pitch for their future ideas. There is a PlaceLAB event to be held on Friday, October 10, at Heslam Park, from 8:30am to 1pm.
This will be the fourth version of such an event. While NeighbourhoodLABs are aimed at residents, PlaceLABs look at the bigger picture and are open to businesses and those who work rather than live in the area as well.
To register intended attendance at any of the events, visit Scunthorpe Tomorrow’s website here.
Drop-ins are welcome and all events are free to attend, with refreshments provided too.