Kettering woman to lead Avondale Grange Neighbourhood Board with £20million Pride in Place programme budget

Former teacher, Gail Lewis will chair the Avondale Grange Neighbourhood Board as part of the nationwide UK Government-led programme that will see a £2m-a-year investment over the next 10 years in the area.

Ms Lewis will play a ‘pivotal role’ in convening and overseeing the board and working closely with the local MP, councillors, partners, community representatives and residents.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be appointed to the role and relish the opportunity to raise the profile of the area alongside working with the community groups and residents to make a difference.

“I look forward to seeing the area thrive and be instrumental, alongside the board of fellow volunteers, in building a stronger, more resilient and more empowered community.

“One of my priorities is advocating on behalf of all residents to ensure their voice is heard and their insights are reflected into a plan and project that is community led.”

Giving to the community – both professionally and through volunteering – has been at the heart of Ms Lewis’ 45 years living in Kettering.

Initially qualifying as a dental therapist in 1980, Gail worked across Northamptonshire, eventually becoming chairman of the British Association of Dental Therapists.

In 2003 she changed career to become a teacher, at first working in Corby before moving into special needs education at Kingsley Special School in Kettering and Kings Meadow school, Northampton.

Latterly she worked as a special needs co-ordinator at Thorplands Primary School, Northampton and Isebrook School, Kettering.

Gail now devotes her time to volunteering at Kettering Food Bank and previously volunteered at Kettering General Hospital during the pandemic, assisting with the vaccine rollout.

She has also been chairman of Rothwell Infant School Friends Association, chaired Bishop Stopford School Friends Association, and was vice chairman of Governors at Rothwell Junior School.

Kettering MP, Rosie Wrighting, said: “This is such an important role for the Avondale Grange Pride in Place programme and Gail will bring so much valuable life experience to the board which will work with the community to help the area thrive.

“I’m delighted to be part of this initiative which is seeing record levels of UK Government investment right where residents need it most.”

Responsibilities of the chairman role include ‘championing community engagement’, ensuring ‘transparent governance’, and helping to co-create the 10-year Pride in Place vision and regeneration plan for Avondale Grange.

The Neighbourhood Board will shape a shared long-term programme and develop a regeneration plan for the area – previously designated a ‘left behind’ area.

A plan will identify local priorities and determine how the funding will be spent.

The voluntary position was open to individuals who live or work in North Northamptonshire and have strong connections to the Avondale Grange area.

Cllr Martin Griffiths, leader of North Northamptonshire Council, added: “Gail’s commitment to her local community is absolutely outstanding and she’ll do a great job in leading the Neighbourhood Board which will play such a vital role in making a real difference to Avondale Grange.

“I very much look forward to seeing the community empowered to get involved, the plans for the area develop and then real results being delivered with the neighbourhood reaching its full potential.”

Similar Pride in Place schemes are running in Queensway in Wellingborough and Kingswood, Hazel Leys and Exeter in Corby.