People living or working in parts of Paignton are being asked to come forward to help guide a fund that will shape their future.

Community leaders in the areas formerly known as Blagdon and Blatchcombe, including Kings Ash, Collaton St Mary and the western edge of Paignton, are being invited to shape how a multi-million-pound fund could improve their neighbourhoods.

The area, which covers around 7,000 people, is part of Phase Two of the Government’s Pride in Place programme. The initiative empowers local people, working with the MP, council, businesses and community groups, to shape their area, with up to £20 million available over the next decade to support community‑led projects to improve life chances.

The funding will be delivered in tranches over the next 10 years. An initial £150,000 has already been released to help kick-start early activity, support listening and engagement this summer. The next stage is the formation of a Paignton Place Leadership Board, half of which must be made up of people who live or work in the area. Once formed, the board will create a 10-year vision and business plan to spend the first £4 million of Pride in Place funding. It is expected that the group will initially meet monthly to deliver this vision, along with a four-year regeneration plan, by the end of November.

Torbay Council is the accountable body with a supportive role and key responsibilities, but it is the board and people living and working in the area who will make decisions that are important to them.

The area is largely covered by MP Caroline Voaden, and it is her role to help select the chair or co-chairs who will together form the board. At least half of the board should be made up of people who live or work in the area and must include a ward councillor.

Caroline said: ‘‘This is a brilliant opportunity for communities that often feel overlooked and believe that things can't or won't change for the better. The Pride in Place programme is designed to give some key decision making back to communities, to decide what matters most to them. In Paignton, this early phase will focus on listening, building confidence and capacity locally, and turning community priorities into a clear plan for the future.

‘‘You don't have to have prior experience to get involved - if there is something you've always wanted to change, improve or see in your local area then this is your chance to help make it happen. It's a really exciting opportunity and I'd love to see community members get involved.”

Cllr David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council and member of the Torbay and Torquay Place Leadership Boards said: ‘‘This funding is a huge opportunity for Paignton, and we want local people to help shape what happens next. Pride in Place is about more than money — it’s about giving decision‑making back to the community and creating a long‑term plan based on what matters most to local people. We’re asking residents, businesses, and community groups in Blagdon and Blatchcombe to get involved, share their ideas, and help guide this £20 million programme over the next decade.’’

The work will connect with the Torbay Place Leadership Board, Torquay Place Leadership Board and Champions Network, ensuring Paignton’s community priorities are still independent but supported by wider place leadership across the Bay.

This announcement comes after Torquay received similar funding for the whole of the town. After having their 10-year vision approved by government in March, The Torquay Place Leadership Board is due to start funding its first activities at the end of the month.

If you are interested in being part of this exciting project, applications to join the board as a member and/or chairperson are open until 1 May with a simple form to apply here.