Suzanne Scott Appointed Chair of Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board for Falkirk Projects

Falkirk Council has appointed Suzanne Scott as the new Chair of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board, a body tasked with overseeing community-led investment in The Braes Villages and Hallglen. This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the local authority to distribute funding through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, ensuring residents have a direct say in how resources improve their immediate surroundings.

What is the role of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board?

The Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board functions as a decision-making body that bridges the gap between local government and the community. According to Falkirk Council, the board’s primary responsibility is to direct funding into local projects that enhance neighborhood aesthetics, community facilities, and social infrastructure. By centering the board on residents, the council aims to move away from top-down planning, allowing those who live in The Braes Villages and Hallglen to identify the specific needs of their areas.

Who is Suzanne Scott?

Suzanne Scott steps into the role with a mandate to facilitate collaboration between council officers and local community groups. Her appointment follows a competitive selection process aimed at identifying a leader capable of balancing bureaucratic requirements with grassroots advocacy. As Chair, Scott will oversee the allocation of capital and revenue budgets intended to foster long-term improvements in local pride and engagement, as outlined in the UK Shared Prosperity Fund prospectus.

How will investment impact The Braes and Hallglen?

The investment strategy focuses on tangible outcomes that improve the quality of life for residents. The Falkirk Council official portal notes that the Pride in Place initiative targets several key areas:

• Community Facilities: Upgrading shared spaces to host local events and services.
• Environmental Improvements: Enhancing green spaces and addressing local maintenance issues.
• Resident Engagement: Creating formal channels for ongoing feedback and project proposal submissions.

These projects are designed to function as a “neighborhood-first” model, where the success of a project is measured by its utility to local families and community organizations rather than purely economic metrics.

What happens next for the board?

Following her appointment, Scott is scheduled to lead the board’s initial assessment of project proposals submitted by local groups. While the funding is provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the implementation is handled locally by Falkirk Council. The board is expected to finalize its first round of project approvals in the coming months, with construction and community program rollouts slated for the next fiscal cycle. Residents in The Braes and Hallglen can monitor the council’s website for upcoming public meetings where further details on the application process for community grants will be released.

Key Details of the Initiative