Teacher to chair £20m community neighbourhood board

A teacher said he was proud to be spearheading a £20m investment board for the estate where he has worked for 14 years.

Nicky Kingsnorth will be the chair of the Queensway Neighbourhood Board in Wellingborough, North Northamptonshire Council announced.

The multimillion-pound investment will be spent over 10 years. It has been funded by the government's Pride in Place programme.

Kingsnorth said: "This voluntary role reflects my ongoing commitment to the area and my determination to help build a stronger, healthier and thriving neighbourhood."

"I'm proud to have been appointed as chair of the neighbourhood board," he added.

The position was open to people who live or work in North Northamptonshire and have strong connections to Queensway.

The board will make decisions about how to use the funding and will develop a regeneration plan for the area.

As chair, Kingsnorth, who is "deeply rooted in the community", will work closely with the area's MP, councillors, community representatives "and importantly, local residents", said the council.

Gen Kitchen, Labour MP for Wellingborough and Rushden, said she was "thrilled" at the appointment, and added: "I can't wait to see how it progresses."

Martin Griffiths, leader of the Reform UK council, said: "Getting the right person in place is essential in making this project a success.

"Nicky's energy, background and connections to the area make him ideal for this role."

Similar Pride in Place schemes are running in Avondale Grange, Kettering and Kingswood, Hazel Leys and Exeter in Corby.

The chairs for those two areas will be announced shortly.

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