St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet has formally approved the first projects to be funded through Newton-le-Willows’ Pride in Place programme – and there’s also a last-chance reminder for anyone interested in joining the board driving it all forward.
As we reported last month, three projects will share £361,000 in the first year of funding: a new accessible playground at St Johns Park in Earlestown (£203,000), audio-visual and lighting upgrades at Earlestown Town Hall (£134,000), and an Arts on Prescription programme of creative workshops based at Newton Library (£24,000). Work is expected to begin in April 2026.
Cabinet also backed the longer-term £1.2million Building Improvement Programme for Earlestown town centre, which will allow independent businesses and building owners within the conservation area to apply for grant funding to improve their shopfronts and buildings. The scheme is being developed this year, with applications expected to open in 2027.
Chris Hickey, chair of the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board, said: “We are delighted that Cabinet has backed our plans for the first Pride in Place projects for Newton-le-Willows. These projects will deliver high quality facilities for the people of Newton-le-Willows and demonstrate our commitment to listening to residents and delivering projects that make a real difference to the place we call home. I am excited to see the projects get underway.”
Councillor Kate Groucutt, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Business and Inclusive Growth at St Helens Borough Council, said: “The first Pride in Place projects put forward by the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board show a real community focused ambition for growth in the area. As the fund’s accountable body, Cabinet is pleased to back these projects, and we look forward to see works begin on site.”
David Baines MP, Member of Parliament for St Helens North, said: “The £20million Pride in Place funding from this government is a huge opportunity to deliver meaningful, lasting change for local people, and it is fantastic to see these exciting plans put forward by the Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board approved by St Helens Borough Council. I’m really looking forward to seeing progress on these investments as we move forward.”
Could you join the Neighbourhood Board?
If you have experience in Education and Opportunity or Health and Wellbeing and a genuine passion for Newton-le-Willows’ future, Monday, 23 March 2026 is the final day to apply for one of two vacancies on the Neighbourhood Board.
It’s a real opportunity to help shape how that £20million is spent over the coming decade. Full details of the role and how to apply are here.