Residents in Wick and Toddington are invited to have their say on how £20 million of funding is spent in the area, as a series of local engagement events gets underway. 

The funding has been awarded by the UK Government as part of the Pride in Place programme, and a key requirement is that residents must direct what the money is used for. The Neighbourhood Board appointed in July will lead decision-making on how the funding is spent, and they will be supported by a group of Community Champions who will help gather views and ideas from across the wider community.

A ‘10-year vision’ must be submitted to the Government by the end of November, setting out the vision for the area’s future and showing a clear plan for how change will be delivered over the coming decade. Activities funded by the programme are expected to begin in autumn 2027.

Residents can share their ideas in person at the following pop-up events:

• Wednesday 14 October, 9:00-12:00 – The Littlehampton Wave, Sea Road, BN17 2NA
• Saturday 17 October, 10:00-13:00 – Wick Street, outside the laundrette beside Wick Parade, BN17 7JN
• Sunday 18 October, 9.45-10:30 and 12:00-12.45 – Arun Church service, The Littlehampton Academy (Hill Road entrance), BN17 6DG

A range of projects will be eligible for support: improving green spaces, upgrading community buildings and facilities, increasing training and skills provision, and supporting arts and cultural activities. This is not an exhaustive list, and residents are invited to think about what would make a tangible difference to their lives. As well as the pop-up sessions listed above, locals can put forward their ideas through a variety of methods, including:

• Coffee mornings, lunch clubs, Knit and Natter groups, schools, Scout venues, local shops, pubs, Wick Football Club, and other neighbourhood hubs
• Creative activities, to be delivered with support from Artswork and other local organisations. Wick-based artist Ben Cavanagh will deliver a series of collage workshops to explore what residents value about the area and how they would like it to look and feel in ten years’ time
• Comment cards and informal conversations

"The response from the community so far has been fantastic," said Neighbourhood Board Chair Jon Jolly. "Residents have already shared a wide range of ideas, and it's clear people care deeply about the future of this area. £20 million is a significant investment, and every conversation we have helps shape how it's spent – so we'd urge as many people as possible to get involved."

Residents who are unable to attend in-person events can have their say through the online survey, which is now live. It takes about five minutes to complete, and everyone who completes it is automatically entered into a prize draw to win £100 in vouchers to spend in the local area.

There are two upcoming draws, on Friday 30 October and Monday 16 November. Surveys must be submitted by Friday 13 November to be included in the final draw.

Further information is available at:
www.littlehampton-tc.gov.uk/prideinplace