Caerphilly Council has chosen an independent chairman to oversee how £20 million will be spent in three borough communities.

The UK Government’s Pride in Place fund is aimed at giving residents more of a say in how their communities receive investment.

A ‘neighbourhood board’ will put together plans for medium- and long-term regeneration in Aberbargoed, Bargoed, and New Tredegar over a ten-year period.

John Williams will head the board, which will also include local residents, businesses, grassroots campaigners and community leaders, as well as the area’s MP and at least one county councillor.

“I am honoured to have been appointed chair of the Pride in Place neighbourhood board for Aberbargoed, Bargoed, and New Tredegar,” said Mr Williams.

“This is a significant opportunity to work with local people to shape a long-term plan that reflects the strengths, needs and ambitions of these communities.”

Mr Williams said he has worked across the community, voluntary, education, training, employability and safeguarding sectors in south Wales, with a strong focus on supporting young people, families and organisations.

Much of his work has centred on developing practical support programmes, strengthening partnership working and helping create opportunities for people who may otherwise feel overlooked or disconnected from support, he added.

He is the former chief executive of Case UK CIC, a community interest company focused on supporting young people, families and communities through training, safeguarding, personal development, and employability-focused provision.

He has also worked at the employment charity Shaw Trust, where his work has involved building partnerships, strengthening delivery networks and working with organisations focused on employment, skills, inclusion and support for people facing barriers to opportunity.

“My priority will be to help build a board that is representative, transparent and community-led, so that residents, businesses, young people and community organisations all have a meaningful voice in deciding how this investment can deliver lasting benefits,” he added.

“I look forward to working with the council, local partners and the wider community to help turn this opportunity into positive change.”

Cllr Jamie Pritchard, who leads Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “I would like to congratulate John on his appointment, which is a key step in progressing our Pride in Place initiative to deliver positive and long-lasting benefits for the community.

“Engagement with local residents will be key over the coming months to help shape the way we invest this funding, so I would urge the whole community to get involved.”