A ten-year vision to enhance Washington as a place to live, work and visit has welcomed a new leader at the helm.
Ruth Walker has been named the new chair of the Washington Pride in Place Programme Board, following the departure of former chair Ellen Thinnesen, who has stepped down to take on the national role of Further Education Commissioner.
The board was set up to develop, and steer forward a 10-Year Vision for Washington after the town was awarded £20m by the Government to be invested in the area over 10 years, with funding for delivery beginning in April this year, under its Pride in Place Programme.
With its mission to use the investment to help build thriving places, strengthen communities and empower people, the board carried out widespread engagement in communities across Washington to find out residents’ aspirations for its future.
Key priorities identified as part of this process include: time in nature, feeing safe, vibrant villages and town centre, transport and infrastructure, youth and community and improving the appearance of streets and spaces.
Together, these have helped shape the board’s vision for Washington as a ‘town where everyone feels safe, connected, and proud. A place with vibrant villages, a welcoming town centre, and opportunities for all ages to thrive.’
Ruth Walker takes the chair at a time when the board is awaiting feedback on its Regeneration Plan. This is currently being considered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), who are due to report back this Spring.
An experienced Community and Youth Worker, Ruth has worked with young people in Washington and the wider city since the age of 18. She currently manages a city-wide youth work charity and is committed to ensuring that young people are supported, invested in, and provided with the opportunities they need to develop confidence, resilience, and wellbeing.
Welcoming her appointment to the board, she said:
“I’m delighted to have been appointed new Chair of the Washington Pride in Place Programme Board at such an exciting/momentous time, as we await feedback from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on our ambitious Investment Plan for the town.
“The plan has been shaped by thousands of people from across Washington who took part in surveys, focus groups, school activities, stakeholder discussions, and VCSE-led engagement over the summer and autumn, and it looks at what matters most to our residents.
“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views with us as part of this process and also the board and partner organisations involved, whose support and commitment has been critical in shaping a plan that reflects Washington’s aspirations and vision for the next 10 years and beyond.
“I’m very much looking forward to chairing the board through this exciting next chapter in Washington’s future.”
The £20 million Pride in Place Programme funding from Government is split into capital for projects such as park improvements or improved community facilities, which is the biggest part of the funding, as well as some revenue which includes things such as youth activities, support for residents to re-skill or move into employment and health programmes
The Board will be sharing next steps when they receive their feedback on their Investment Plan from MHCLG.
