Volunteers are set to lead £20 million of investment for two Carlisle estates.
The Raffles and Morton area will receive the money over the next ten years from the government’s Pride in Place programme.
It will fund projects which build communities, create thriving places, and empower people to take control.
Joshua Jenkins, a business owner who lives in the area, has been appointed chair of the neighbourhood board that will direct the investment – and now the search is on for fellow board members to make sure the best decisions are made for local communities.
Mr Jenkins said: “I’m very grateful to have been appointed Chair and I look forward to working with residents, organisations and the local authority in Raffles and Morton.
“This £20 million investment is a huge opportunity for local people to have their say and shape the future of our area.
“My priority is to listen carefully and ensure the board makes decisions that reflect what our communities need and want to see.
“I encourage every resident to get involved and share their views in the coming months to make the most of this opportunity.”
Passionate local people are invited to join the board and no particular experience or qualifications are needed, just a desire to help shape the best future for Raffles and Morton.
Board members must be over 18, have a strong connection to the area, and be committed to positive change.
In-person meetings are likely to take place once a month, and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be paid.
Mr Jenkins runs an eCommerce and consulting business and has undertaken many community roles, including his current one as Chair of the management committee at The Gillford Centre, a pupil referral unit in Carlisle.
Cllr Justin McDermott, Cumberland’s portfolio holder for public health and communities, said: “I am delighted Joshua has now been appointed as the Raffles and Morton Chair person.
“It means the community can start to come together and decide, collectively, how they want this investment to change their area for the better.
“I hope lots of people come forward, particularly those who might feel they don’t normally have a voice in local decision making.
“We are looking for people who care about this area, understand the issues, and can speak up for the community.
“Pride in Place represents an excellent opportunity to change futures in Raffles and Morton.”
Carlisle MP Julie Minns said: “I am delighted to see Joshua Jenkins appointed as chair of the Raffles and Morton neighbourhood board and would like to congratulate him on taking on this important role.
“I am proud to have played a part in securing this £20 million investment for Raffles and Morton. Seeing this level of funding coming into our community is a real moment of pride and a huge opportunity for the area.
“What makes Pride in Place so exciting is that local people will help shape how this funding is used. Residents know their communities best and should have a central role in deciding the projects and improvements they want to see.
“I look forward to working with Joshua, local residents and community organisations to make the most of this opportunity and ensure it delivers lasting benefits for Raffles and Morton.”
Pride in Place funding is awarded by the UK government.
Cumberland Council is responsible for administering the process and delivering the investment, but the Neighbourhood Board, made up of local people, will decide how the money is spent.
The board must include the local MP and one ward councillor, alongside a majority of residents, business people and those active in the communities.
Two other areas in Cumberland – Flimby, Ellenborough and Broughton Moor; and Kells, Mirehouse and Woodhouse – have also been awarded £20 million each over ten years.
The Pride in Place programme is aimed at areas of deprivation and weak social infrastructure, with populations of around 10,000.
It celebrates the power of people and partnerships, bringing together residents, MPs, councils, businesses and community organisations.
Each Neighbourhood Board will lead the community in producing a 10-year vision, and set out how it will be delivered. They will also see how further investment could be attracted.
The projects will begin to be delivered in Spring 2027.
