The first step of the journey to agree priorities for the £20m Plan for Neighbourhoods (PfN) Fund was reached with the appointment of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Neighbourhood Board.

The board, in partnership with Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, is required to develop a vision and regeneration plan that will set out funding priorities for the PfN Fund across Royal Sutton Coldfield.

The first meeting of the board - chaired by well-respected local businessman and philanthropist Douglas Wright – took place on Friday 29 March.

Members shared their varied experiences, expertise and the community insight they bring to the board to support the delivery of the PfN on behalf of the residents of the Royal Town.

The next stage of finalising arrangements to support the development of the vision and the Regeneration Plan will involve setting up community interest groups on specific  themes such as the Environment, Culture & Heritage and Business & the Economy to work with and alongside the Neighbourhood Board.

The inaugural board meeting discussed and agreed some key actions for the next stage of the journey.

This included agreeing to obtain external support to engage with Royal Sutton Coldfield’s diverse communities to develop the vision and reflect local people’s priorities for the emerging Plan.

Mr Wright said: “It is a great honour to have been chosen for the role of Chair. As a local business owner and mentor and Chair of a local charity I have tried to use my success as a force for good to influence the lives of those less fortunate.

This underpins how I will approach this role and I am fortunate to start this exciting journey supported by such a talented and committed Board.

Whilst I do not want to underestimate the hard work required, the key message is this is the start of a very exciting journey for us as a Board to take.

“I see us collectively making a real difference to Royal Sutton Coldfield using the PfN fund to get the best for our communities and leave a lasting legacy for our wonderful town.”

Councillor Simon Ward, leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, said: “The first meeting of the PFN board represents a real milestone in our journey to make a genuine difference to our Royal Town.

“It was an immense privilege to join such an impressive and committed group of Suttonians. I'm proud that the Town Council will be the only Town Council in the country (alongside 74 principle local authorities) to be the responsible financial body and