The Neighbourhood Board that will lead decision-making on how £20 million is spent in Wick and Toddington has been appointed. 

The funding has been awarded by the UK Government as part of the Pride in Place programme, and a key stipulation is that residents must direct what the money is used for. Jon Jolly, Executive Leader at Arun Church, will act as the Board’s independent chair, while Councillor Freddie Tandy (Courtwick and Toddington ward) and Alison Griffiths, MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, will also sit on the Board. They are joined by 12 further members, appointed after a competitive recruitment process that attracted more than 40 applications for the places available. The Neighbourhood Board members are:

• Bernadette Kielty, Wick resident
• Chris Smethurst, Civic Engagement Officer at the University of Chichester and trustee of Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester (VAAC)
• Clive Mills, Wick resident and Head of Income and Engagement at Turning Tides
• Graham Tiley, Littlehampton resident & Chair of the Academy Council at The Littlehampton Academy and trustee of Dove Lodge
• Ian Buckman, Wick resident and District Lead Volunteer for Arundel and Littlehampton Scout District
• Jenny Rowley, Wick resident and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Arun Community Transport
• Lauren Roffey, Toddington resident and owner of Baked café & community hub
• Michael Dorrington, Commercial Director at Wick Football Club
• Paul Sanderson, Wick resident Chaplain at The Littlehampton Academy
• Paula Kennaby, Wick resident and volunteer children's worker
• Rachel Sadler, Wick resident and special needs tutor
• Leslie Searson, Wick/Chilgrove resident and volunteer at Chilgrove House

Jon Jolly said, “We’re delighted to welcome our Neighbourhood Board members. The quality of applications was exceptionally high, and choosing the final members was no easy task – in fact, we extended our discussion period because it was such a difficult decision. Altogether, our Board brings a fantastic range of skills, experiences and perspectives to this scheme and we’re committed to hearing from everyone living and working in the Wick and Toddington area. We’re very excited about the next steps.”

Councillor Freddie Tandy added, “We'd particularly like to thank those who expressed an interest in joining the Board and who will now play key roles as members of our Community Champions group. Our Champions will actively engage with the wider community and report back to the Board about priorities for investment, and their work will be vital in the development of our Pride in Place plans.”

The Board met for the first time on Friday 10 July, and member Clive Mills shared his thoughts after the session: “Exciting times ahead for Wick and Toddington! It was fantastic to connect with so many passionate new people today at the first meeting for our local Pride in Place initiative.”

The Board will now start gathering ideas from the community to shape how the funding can be used to improve the local area. They will be supported by the Community Champions group, which is expected to be announced by mid-August.

A range of projects will be eligible for funding, including improving green spaces, upgrading community buildings and facilities, increasing training and skills provision, and supporting arts and cultural activities. This list is not exhaustive; locals are encouraged to consider what would make a tangible difference to their daily lives and will be able to share their views through workshops, events and online activities throughout the summer and autumn. 

Final spending plans must be submitted to the Government by November, and work on projects funded by the programme is expected to begin in autumn 2027.

For more information about Pride in Place visit the Town Council’s website www.littlehampton-tc.gov.uk/prideinplace.