Youth board to help decide on £20m regeneration

Young people will have a chance to be involved in deciding how to spend £20m in their town.

Washington on Wearside is among the areas to receive government funding as part of the Pride In Place scheme, aimed at regenerating towns and neighbourhoods over the next 10 years.

Sunderland City Council, which is involved in the project, is looking for organisations that can establish and lead a new youth board.

The group would work alongside residents, businesses and community groups to decide how to develop future projects and investment in the area.

The Washington Pride in Place board's chairwoman, Ruth Walker, said: "Young people are the future of Washington and it's vital that their voices are included in the decisions we make.

"We want to understand what matters most to them, what they enjoy about living here, and what changes they would like to see in the years ahead."

The council said the youth board's reach would have to be "as wide as possible" and organisations interested in leading it should submit a bid.

When the Pride In Place project was launched, a consultation with residents identified priorities including spending time in nature, feeling safe and improving the appearance of streets and public spaces.

As part of the scheme, a number of grants have already been awarded to community groups.

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