A community drop-in event was held on Wednesday 18 March at the Friar Park Millennium Centre for residents to find out more about the Friar Park Pride in Place programme.
At the event where residents were able to offer their views and find out about joining the board, Cllr Peter Hughes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Infrastructure and Antonia Bance, MP were pleased to introduce Jonathan Ward, the newly appointed Chair of the Friar Park Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board.
Friar Park has been selected to benefit from up to £20 million in Government funding through the Pride in Place programme. This funding will support local improvements chosen by the people who live and work in Friar Park.
Jonathan grew up in Friar Park and is Deputy Director of the Albion Foundation, a local charity.
Jonathan said, ‘I’m delighted to be appointed the Chair of the Pride in Place Board. Growing up here, I know how wonderful the people of Friar Park are. This funding is a massive opportunity our area and we need to work together to celebrate Friar Park and make it an even better place to live. I want to get a range of people with different views, skills and experiences to join me on the Board. But this work isn’t just about the Board, its about all Friar Park residents having their say on what they want the area to be like.’
Over the next 12 months, the Board will talk with local people, create a plan to improve the area and decide how the money should be spent.
People with a deep-rooted connection to Friar Park are invited to join the Board. Application details are available here.
The deadline to complete the form is Thursday 26 March 2026, 11:59pm.
Councillor Peter Hughes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Infrastructure said: “I congratulate Jonathan on his appointment. This is an exciting opportunity for Friar Park residents and partners to come together under Jonathan's leadership. I'd encourage people to put themselves forward and get involved.”
Notes: As a requirement of the Pride in Place funding from Government, Sandwell Council and Antonia Bance, MP for Tipton and Wednesbury, are jointly responsible for appointing the Chair of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board.