Wanted: Chair for new £20m Cotmanhay board

Credit: EBC

A new body is being set up to decide how up to £20million from the Government can boost one of Erewash’s neighbourhoods – and the hunt is on for someone to act as its chair.

The Pride in Place funding will see up to £2million a year pour into Cotmanhay over the next decade. Locals who celebrated last year’s funding announcement included staff at Cotmanhay Infant and Nursery school, pictured.

The huge investment will be overseen by a Neighbourhood Board – and Erewash Borough Council is seeking local people to serve on it. It needs a dynamic chair who can volunteer their time to work with the authority and Erewash’s MP Adam Thompson.

The role will be key to transforming people’s lives. The borough council says it is seeking someone who “has local credibility and will be respected as a leader – even if this is their first leadership role”.

Candidates need to be “deeply connected to their community and fiercely committed to making it an even better place to live”. They should be focused on “ensuring all voices are heard”.

The borough council is stressing: “This is about what the community wants.”

The eight-strong Cotmanhay Neighbourhood Board will be made up of the chairman, MP Adam Thompson plus a local councillor – and five additional members who will be recruited in March. Its first meeting is expected to be held in April.

The body’s priority will be to come up with a “ten-year vision for Cotmanhay” plus a multi-year investment plan before the end of the year.

If you think you fit the bill to be the board’s chairperson, or know someone who does, you can see a detailed description of the role and find information on how to apply on the Erewash Borough Council website.

If you would like to get more details about the role or wish to arrange a briefing call before applying, please contact democratic @ erewash.gov.uk

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 6th February. Potential board members are also invited to register their interest here – and the council will be in contact next month.

To find out more about the Pride in Place Programme visit the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government website.