Bournemouth | Posted on August 11th, 2026 | return to news

Millions to be invested in West Howe

The Rev Dan Washbrook has been appointed chairman to lead the Neighbourhood Board of the Pride in Place programme.

Up to £20 million is to be invested in the West Howe area of Bournemouth over the next decade and now an independent chairman has been appointed to lead the Neighbourhood Board of the West Howe Pride in Place programme.

The Rev Dan Washbrook will work closely with residents, community organisations, partners, BCP Council and the local MP to ensure local priorities are at the heart of decision-making.

Cllr Mike Cox, deputy leader of BCP Council, said: “I’d like to congratulate Rev Dan Washbrook on being appointed Independent Chair of the West Howe Pride in Place Board. As the programme moves into its next phase, he will play an important role in helping ensure local people’s ambitions and ideas help shape the future of the area.

“This marks a significant step forward for Pride in Place and the opportunities it brings for West Howe. With substantial investment available over the next 10 years, it is vital that residents remain at the centre of deciding what improvements matter most to them.

“I look forward to seeing the Board work alongside the community, local organisations and partners to develop a shared vision that delivers meaningful and lasting change.”

Jessica Toale, MP for Bournemouth West, said: “I’m delighted that Rev Dan Washbrook has been appointed Chair of West Howe’s Pride in Place. He has shown a real commitment to supporting our local community and will bring his deep understanding of the people and the place to this role. Pride in Place has the potential to be transformational for West Howe, building on the strong sense of identity and community I see every day. I am confident that Rev Dan will put residents’ voices at the heart of the programme, using his experience to ensure that the range of views and experiences in the area are heard.

“I look forward to working with him to appoint the Board and ensure residents shape both the investment plan and the long-term vision for the area.”

The Rev Dan Washbrook said: “It is a huge privilege to be chosen to be the chair of the Pride in Place Board. I’m excited that this incredible investment in our local community gives a chance to tell a wonderful new story. A story where we can celebrate our neighbours flourishing, that communities are strongest when we stand alongside one another, and that we see more of what humanity can be when different experiences, cultures, generations and stories stand alongside one another and invest in each other.

“Long before a programme called ‘Pride in Place’ existed, people in this area were proud of this place. Serving, volunteering, caring, organising, teaching, listening campaigning, and being amazing neighbours. I cannot wait to discover the differences that significant investment in their ongoing work will make to the community.

“A huge thanks to Jessica Toale, her team and to BCP Council, and to everyone else who has made this possible. Now comes the exciting part – this process has to belong to the people of West Howe, and so I cannot wait to draw together the Board and begin to hear the infinite stories and visions, of the hopes and possibilities for this area.”

Pride in Place is a national programme funded by the UK Government, designed to empower local communities to shape the future of their neighbourhoods. West Howe is one of three areas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole selected to receive investment through the programme, alongside Boscombe West and Hamworthy West and Turlin Moor. The initiative aims to support long-term improvements chosen by residents, helping create stronger, more connected communities and places people can be proud of.

The Neighbourhood Board will now begin the next phase of its work, engaging with residents and stakeholders to develop a long-term Pride in Place Plan for the area and identify priorities for investment.