The Pride in St Helens Board has now been recruited, bringing together representatives from across the local community, public services, the voluntary and third sectors, and local government. The Board will play a key role in shaping the £20 million, 10-year Pride in Place investment and ensuring that local residents have a strong voice in deciding how funding is used to improve their neighbourhoods.
The Board is chaired by Mike Denning, who was born and raised in St Helens. He is the Founder and Director of Stapleton Derby Group, a company specialising in property sales, lettings and development.
The board also includes:
Marie Rimmer, MP — Member of Parliament for St Helens South and Whiston
Councillor Sharon Roughley — Deputy Leader of the Council and Ward Councillor for Peasley Cross and Fingerpost, St Helens Borough Council
Lisa Harris — Executive Director for Place Services, St Helens Borough Council
Jon Smith — St Helens Chief Inspector, Merseyside Police
Simon Skidmore — Community Representative, Methodist Churches, Bolton Circuit
Ryan Smith — Third Sector Representative, Citizens Advice St Helens
Rachel Bebby — Programme Lead – Town Centre East & Fingerpost Pride in Place, St Helens Borough Council
Glenn Taggart — Project Manager, St Helens Borough Council
Donna Wilby — Finance Business Partner – Regeneration, St Helens Borough Council
Mary Jefferson — Head of Regeneration and Growth, St Helens Borough Council
Martin Murray — Community Representative, Think F.A.S.T Academy
Angela Metcalfe — Third Sector Representative, The Hope Centre
Rachel Shuttleworth — Faith Representative, St Helens Minster
Tony Richards — Business Representative, Esspee Fabrications Ltd
The first meeting of the Neighbourhood Board took place on Thursday 13 August at St Helens Town Hall, bringing together representatives from the local community, St Helens Borough Council, Merseyside Police and other key local organisations. The meeting provided an opportunity for Board members to formally come together and discuss the first steps for delivering the £20 million, 10-year Pride in Place programme.
Members received an overview of the Pride in Place programme and discussed the Board’s governance arrangements, including its Terms of Reference and responsibilities. The meeting also considered the appointment of community and stakeholder representatives, programme management and resources, and the arrangements needed to support the Board’s work.
A key focus was how residents and local organisations will be involved in shaping the programme. The Board considered a proposed community engagement approach combining conversations led by trusted local community groups and organisations with wider engagement through high streets, public spaces and online platforms. This engagement will help identify local priorities and inform the 10-year Pride in Place Plan and the first four-year investment plan, which must be submitted by 30 November 2026.
