Applications open for Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board in Marsh Farm

The Marsh Farm Neighbourhood Board will bring together residents, businesses, and other community organisations to help gather the views of people in Marsh Farm on how the money should be spent. Its leader will be dynamic and no-nonsense, and someone with a proven ability of bringing people together.

The Government recently announced that Marsh Farm would receive up to £20 million over the next decade as part of its Pride in Place programme, which aims to build strong, resilient and united communities.

The funding was secured after campaigning by Luton North MP Sarah Owen, in partnership with the UK Government. The fund is about empowering residents, not politicians, to deliver real, tangible improvements to the area – bringing pride to our community.

Now, applications have opened for a Chair of the neighbourhood board, and members of the board.

Interviews for the Chair are scheduled to take place at the end of June. The Chair will then help to co-ordinate recruitment of board members, with interviews for these roles due to be held in July.

Both the Chair and board members should live or work in Marsh Farm.

Those appointed will gather ideas and views from residents in the area, help shape a shared vision for the area and decide how funding will be spent.

Sarah Owen MP said: “Pride in Place funding is unique in that it gives local people the power to decide where they want money spent in their own local area. The Government believes that bringing communities together can only happen when local people are given the power to make these decisions about our area.

“The Chair of the neighbourhood board is a really important role. They will be someone who works are at bringing people together from across Marsh Farm to have their say. They will work closely with local people, organisations, the council and government to ensure the money works first and foremost for Marsh Farm residents.

"I would encourage anyone who cares deeply about making Marsh Farm a better place to live to apply and get involved. This is a chance to make a huge difference."

The recruitment process is being supported by Luton Council.

Cllr Tahmina Saleem, Leader of Luton Council, said: “Marsh Farm has a strong community with a real sense of purpose and pride, with residents who genuinely care about one another and the area’s future. 

“This is such an exciting opportunity for local people to shape their neighbourhoods and to ensure the Pride in Place funding is focused on those areas that will make the biggest difference for the community.”

For more information on the available roles, eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit https://marshfarmlutonprideinplace.org.uk/