Chair announced for Hattersley’s £20million Pride in Place programme

A major milestone has been reached for Hattersley with the appointment of Laura Nicholas as Chair of the new Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board.

The programme will bring £20 million of government investment into Hattersley over the next decade, building on more than 20 years of regeneration which has delivered new homes, improved public spaces, better transport links, and expanded community facilities. Funding will be available for spend from April next year.

This next phase will be community-led, with a Neighbourhood Board made up of people who live and work in Hattersley, giving residents a direct say in how funding is used and priorities are set.

Laura was selected following a formal recruitment process led by Tameside Council. She has strong roots in Hattersley, having lived locally most of her life and now raising her family there. She works as a Work and Skills Coach, supporting people with jobs, training, and confidence, and is also a Parent Governor at a local school.

As Chair, Laura will lead the development of a long-term plan for investment, guided by what local people say matters most. Early priorities already identified include better healthcare, safer streets, improved roads, more opportunities for young people and protecting green spaces.

Laura is currently assembling the Board which will include people who live, work, or have strong local connection to the area.

Laura Nicholas, Chair of the Hattersley Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board, said: “Hattersley is my home, so it means a lot to be part of shaping what comes next. This is a chance for people here to have a real say in the future of the area and to turn local ideas into real improvements. I am looking forward to listening to residents and working together to make sure this investment makes a difference where it matters most.”

Jonathan Reynolds MP said: “Hattersley has come a long way, and this £20 million investment is a significant step forward for the area and a clear signal of confidence in its future. Building on years of regeneration, this programme is about supporting local people to take the lead in shaping what comes next and ensuring investment delivers meaningful, lasting improvements. Laura brings real understanding, commitment, and local knowledge to the role, and I am confident she will help bring people together to shape the next chapter for Hattersley. I’d encourage residents to get involved and help shape how this opportunity is delivered for the community.”

More information on how residents can have their say will be published soon.  For information on the Pride in Place Programme, you can visit www.tameside.gov.uk/hattersleyprideinplace or email hattersleypipp@tameside.gov.uk.