Built by Blakenall

Something is starting in Blakenall. And this time, what happens here gets decided here.

This part of the world has been promised plenty over the years, and handed little. We're not going to stand here and tell you this time is different — we're going to let you decide that for yourself, bit by bit, out in the open.

What's happening

Blakenall has been picked for Pride in Place — a long-term national programme that puts decisions about a neighbourhood's future in the hands of the people who live there.

Not a council scheme. Not another form to fill in and never hear back about. A neighbourhood board, led by local people, making the calls on what Blakenall needs — with proper backing behind it for the long haul.

It's early days. There's no grand plan, and there won't be one until enough people from round here have had their say in shaping it.

Why should you believe any of this?

Fair question. Plenty of things have been "done to" Blakenall by people who don't know it. The only answer we've got is how this one is set up: the board that decides where things go will be led by people from here — not councillors, not officials. The first proof point is who ends up leading it. That could be you, or someone you know.

Could you lead it?

The neighbourhood board needs a community lead — someone Blakenall knows and trusts. Someone who understands what goes on here because they live it, and who'll stand up for the place when it matters.

You don't need letters after your name. You don't need to have sat on a committee before. You need to know this place, care about it, and be willing to put the time in. (Officially, the role is called the Chair of the Neighbourhood Board — but round here, community lead says it better.)

If that could be you — or you know exactly who it should be — tell us below.

Be part of it

However much or little time you've got, there's a place for you in this. Leave your details and we'll keep you in the loop — no spam, no passing your details on, just what's happening and how to have your say.

And soon we'll be asking a different kind of question: what are you proud of round here? The people, the places, the things outsiders never hear about. Keep an eye out.