New Chair Sought for Accrington Neighbourhoods Board to Help Deliver £20m Investment Programme
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced and passionate local leader to help shape the future of Accrington as Chair of the Accrington Neighbourhoods Board.
The Board is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the town’s ambitious 10-year Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, which will bring up to £20 million of Government investment into Accrington over the next decade.
The programme aims to support long-term regeneration, strengthen community infrastructure, improve neighbourhoods and deliver projects that reflect the priorities of local residents and businesses.
The search for a new Chair follows the resignation of the previous Chair, Sami Smithson, who has stepped down from the role to focus on other professional and voluntary commitments, including her position as Chair of Accrington Stanley Women.
Board members have thanked Sami for her leadership during a crucial period for the programme, including helping secure approval for Accrington’s 10-year Plan, the recruitment of some community champions to strengthen the board and championing extensive community engagement to ensure residents helped shape the town’s future priorities.
Bringing together representatives from the local community, Hyndburn Borough Council, partner organisations, businesses and Hyndburn’s Member of Parliament, the Accrington Neighbourhoods Board plays a central role in driving forward the programme and ensuring investment delivers meaningful benefits for local people.
Councillor Munsif Dad BEM JP, Leader of the Council said:
“Accrington is a town with huge ambition and enormous potential, and this programme represents a significant opportunity to build on that over the coming years.
“The Board is now seeking a new Chair who can inspire confidence, bring people together and help ensure that local residents remain at the heart of the decisions that will shape the future of the town.
Sarah Smith, MP for Hyndburn and Haslingden said:
“With up to £20 million of investment available over the next decade, the Board has an important role to play in helping deliver meaningful improvements for our communities and creating opportunities for local people.”
“If you share our ambition to write a new chapter for Accrington we urge you to apply. You might be a business leader, a committed volunteer, or local resident. This is an opportunity to make a big difference to our town.”
The new Chair will help guide the Board through the next phase of the programme, including delivery of the initial four-year Regeneration Plan, which sets out the first wave of projects and investments. They will work closely with Board members and partners to maintain momentum, provide strategic leadership and ensure local voices remain at the heart of decision-making.
The role offers a unique opportunity to influence one of the largest single investments in Accrington for a generation and help deliver lasting improvements for communities across the town.
The Board is ideally looking for someone who can commit to at least the first four years of delivery, providing continuity and leadership during this important stage of the programme.
Further information about the role and details on how to apply can be found here