PLANS for £20million of Government investment in Chelmsley Wood has moved forward with the appointment of a chair to lead the programme.
Reverend Neil Roberts has been will head up the Neighbourhood Board for the Chelmsley Wood Pride in Place programme.
The government-funded programme required recruitment for the position to be carried out by the Council and Meriden and Solihull East MP, Saqib Bhatti.
He was joined on the interview panel by Councillor Karen Grinsell, leader of Solihull Council, and representatives from local businesses and voluntary and community organisations, to help represent a range of interests and perspectives.
Neil said: “I am proud to be part of this community and be the chair for this fantastic opportunity we now have. I’ve lived and worked here for most of my life, my family grew up here and I know how special our community already is.
“This is a chance for us all to work together and be part of something to make our community even stronger.”
Having lived and worked in the area for more than 30 years, Neil brings significant knowledge to the role and understanding of the economic and social challenges that the area faces.
He is currently the minister of Chelmsley Wood Baptist Church in Chelmund’s Cross and Chair of the Three Trees Community Centre board.
Previously he has been a school governor, one of the founders of the UK’s first community-owned fish and chip shop and the Chelmund’s Heritage Association in his varied community work.
He will be taking up the Pride in Place chair role in June on a part-time basis.
As chair, Neil will drive local priorities, strengthen community partnerships and help shape the programme’s long‑term impact across Chelmsley Wood.
This will be done in discussion with the community using different approaches to include as many people as possible.
The initial plan is to involve residents and local organisations in the Neighbourhood Board and other working groups.
Perry Wardle, director of economy and infrastructure at Solihull Council, said: “Neil’s appointment is the first step in getting Chelmsley Wood’s Pride in Place started.
“This is an important investment opportunity for the community, where we will be supporting Neil as he leads and runs the initiative.”
Applications for the Neighbourhood Board will be open from June 1, with drop- in events taking place in the community in the following week.
The closing date on June 21.
