New chairman of Layton and Grange Park Pride of Place fund announced

The chairman who will lead a £20m Government-backed community project for Grange Park and Layton has now been named.

Sarah Lindsay will oversee the area’s Pride in Place project, which will see £2 million invested each year for the next decade to support local projects, improve community facilities and strengthen the area for future generations.

Sarah was selected following a competitive recruitment process that attracted a strong field of candidates from across the Grange Park and Layton communities.

Similar Pride in Place schemes have been set up for communities across the country deemed to be “overlooked” – other Fylde coast projects include the one at Fleetwood.

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb, who was on the Layton and Grange Park interview panel, welcomed the appointment and said all applicants brought valuable experience and insight. He said many are expected to play a role in the programme as it develops.

The interview panel also comprised Major (Ret’d) Cllr Adrian Hoyle, and an independent representative, Cheryl Raynor, Chair of Fleetwood Town Council. The panel unanimously agreed that Sarah demonstrated the strategic vision, leadership capability, and local insight required to guide the Board through its next phase.

The role of the chair to champion the neighbourhood, provide leadership to the Neighbourhood Board and ensure the £20 million Pride in Place investment is community-led and rooted in local priorities.

Sarah grew up on Grange Park, where her family still lives and has spent more than a decade working with young people in the area. She is Head of Service at The Boathouse Youth, where she spearheaded the development of the Grange Park youth centre.

Her experience spans youth work, safeguarding, early intervention, strategic planning, partnership working and programme delivery across the town.

Sarah Lindsay said: “Grange Park is not just where I work, it’s where I’m from and where my family still lives. It has shaped my values, my career and my sense of purpose.

“I’ve spent the last decade working with young people and families on the estate, and I know both the challenges people face and the strength of the community. I want this investment to be shaped by local voices and to deliver real opportunities, especially for children and young people growing up here.

“Layton is a very different community, but one I’m also familiar with. It’ll be really important that other members of the board are firmly rooted in Layton so that both communities are fully represented in this process and get what they want out of it.

“My ambition is for both Grange Park and Layton to be known for their strengths, their community spirit and their potential. Pride in Place gives us the chance to build something that lasts, with investment that improves life chances and strengthens the local community for the long term.

“As Chair, I’ll make sure the community’s voice is at the heart of every decision and that this funding is used in a way that is transparent, fair and focused on real impact.”

Chris Webb MP said: “Sarah couldn’t be more perfect for this role. She’s from Grange Park, her family are still here, and she’s spent more than a decade working with young people on the estate.

“We had a really strong group of candidates, which shows just how much talent and commitment there is in our communities. I want to thank everyone who applied, and I hope many of them will have a role to play as Pride in Place moves forward.

“This programme has to be led by the community, not done to it. Sarah understands the challenges, the strengths and the potential of these communities because she’s lived and worked in them. I’m looking forward to working with her to make sure this £20 million for Layton and Grange Park delivers real, lasting change.”

Grange Park and Layton have been awarded £20 million to invest in local services, public spaces, community facilities and economic opportunity, with decisions shaped by residents.

The next stage for Pride in Place is for the Chair, with support from the MP to lead the recruitment of the members of the Neighbourhood Board, ensuring an inclusive and representative selection of people from across the local community.

The first meeting of the Board will take place this month.