October 21, 2025

WASHINGTON RESIDENTS INVITED TO HELP SHAPE TOWN’S FUTURE

PEOPLE living in Washington are being given the chance to have their say on how a £20million investment in the town could be best spent.

Government funding of £20million is to be made available for the Washington Plan for Neighbourhoods and now, those living in the town are being asked for their opinions on where the biggest impact could be made.

The funding is earmarked for where there is the greatest need and will focus on three priorities – building thriving places, strengthening communities and putting the views of residents at the heart of decision making.

Ellen Thinnesen OBE, Chief Executive of Education Partnership North East, has been appointed chair of the new Washington Plan for Neighbourhoods Board, which is now gathering views from residents.

“We want residents to tell us what they’d like their future Washington to be like, what’s important to them in life, what ideas they have for improving Washington, and for creating new opportunities for them and their family,” she said.

“This engagement is for residents to help make sure this funding makes a real difference.”

A number of engagement activities are being rolled out over the summer and autumn with the target of reaching as many Washington residents as possible, and this engagement is set to continue over the next 10 years of delivery.

The new Washington Plan for Neighbourhoods Board will also be out and about gathering insight from residents during events and working closely with the voluntary sector and community groups. Funding could also be available to improve access to community services.

Face-to-face engagement with children and young people across Washington’s schools and academies will begin after the holidays, alongside engagement with students and apprentices who are residents and training in Washington.

“We want as many residents as possible to share their views about the future of Washington,” added Ellen. “That’s why we’ll also be using a range of face-to-face and online platforms to gather as much insight as we possibly can.

“It’s vital the board understands what matters most to residents – what they value in life, what ideas they have for improving Washington, and how we can create better opportunities for them and their families.”

Following the summer and autumn engagement, a plan will be submitted to the Government over the winter so that funding for projects can be released from spring 2026 .

“We have an opportunity to invest £20m, and like any investment, the board wants to make a wise decision and see it deliver real growth. That’s why it’s so important residents share their views.

“The insight we gather, alongside existing data about Washington, will help the board identify priority actions and areas for investment in the years ahead.”

A questionnaire is now available online and residents are asked to have their say before Tuesday, September 30.

See the survey here: www.washington.commonplace.is 

 

 

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