A major step has been taken in a decade-long plan to revitalise three key areas of the Wirral, as independent leaders are brought in to ensure residents have the final say on a £60 million investment.
The Pride in Place programme in Wirral has moved forward with the appointment of independent Chairs to lead new Neighbourhood Boards in Central Birkenhead, Seacombe and Woodchurch.
These three areas are set to benefit from a combined £60 million investment over the next ten years, with each neighbourhood receiving up to £20 million to invest in improvements identified by the people who live there.
To ensure the boards are rooted in genuine local knowledge, Wirral’s MPs, Alison McGovern (Birkenhead), Dame Angela Eagle (Wallasey), and Matthew Patrick (Wirral West), led the process for recommending a Chair for their respective areas.
The New Neighbourhood Chairs
The confirmed appointments bring a wealth of local connection and community insight to the roles:
- Central Birkenhead – Liam Kelly: Co-founder of Make CIC and contributor to several grassroots local groups, bringing long-standing community experience to the heart of Birkenhead.
- Seacombe – Nicola Fenton: Director of Diversity Hub CIC, she has a history of supporting residents through community learning and volunteer-led activity.
- Woodchurch – Jennifer Allinson: Brings established local connections and significant experience working with community organisations across the Woodchurch estate.
The role of the Chairs will be to convene and support the Neighbourhood Boards as the programme moves from the planning stage into active delivery.
A Roadmap for Local Investment
Over the coming weeks, each Chair will work alongside their local MP, community organisations, and the council to establish the full Neighbourhood Board.
This group will include residents, businesses, and faith groups who will together develop a 10-year Investment Plan.
These plans, which must be submitted to the Government by Winter 2026, will focus on priorities such as enhancing high streets, improving green spaces, and supporting essential local services.
The timeline for the programme sees the boards established this spring, with the first substantive delivery funding expected to be released in Spring 2027.
Locals Getting Involved
The programme is designed to be community-led, and there are ongoing opportunities for residents, businesses, and grassroots groups to get involved.
Whether as a member of the Board or through wider engagement activity, local people remain central to the decision-making process.
If you live or work in Birkenhead, Seacombe or Woodchurch and would like to help shape how this funding is spent, or are interested in being part of a Neighbourhood Board, you can contact prideinplace@wirral.gov.uk for further information.
