PEOPLE across Tameside are being urged to speak up on how more than £1.3 million should be spent in their communities.
The funding comes from the Pride in Place Impact Fund, with Tameside Council now opening the door for residents to help decide which projects get the green light.
Four online forums, taking place on March 23 and 24 at 6.30pm, will give people the chance to put forward ideas, ask questions and influence priorities.
Councillors and council officers will be on hand, while residents can also submit views via email or an online form during the live-streamed sessions.
At stake is a significant pot of money aimed at improving everyday spaces – from parks and community buildings to high streets in need of a lift.
Tameside Council leader Councillor Eleanor Wills said: “This funding belongs to our communities, and residents should have a real say in how it is spent. The Neighbourhood Forums are designed to put local voices at the heart of decision-making, helping us shape projects that make a genuine difference in our towns.
“We want to hear directly from residents about what matters most to them, and we look forward to working together to deliver improvements that create pride in every part of Tameside.”
The forums also signal a shift in how the council plans to engage with the public, with future meetings expected to move back into community venues across the borough’s nine towns.
Alongside residents, representatives from police, health services, voluntary groups and housing providers will also be part of the discussions – widening the conversation about what improvements are most needed locally.
So far, a portion of the wider £1.5 million fund has already been earmarked. That includes £20,000 for Eco Streets in Hyde, £30,000 for design work linked to improvements around Dukinfield Town Hall, and just over £60,000 for new play equipment.
That leaves £1.3 million still to be allocated – with a focus on practical, visible upgrades. Suggested projects could include refurbishing community buildings, enhancing parks and public spaces, or breathing new life into struggling shopping areas.
Residents and community groups will have further chances to submit proposals, with funding rounds open from March 1 to April 30 and again from June 1 to July 31.
While areas such as Hattersley and Ashton are already set to benefit from separate long-term investment programmes, this latest funding is aimed at the rest of the borough – giving other neighbourhoods a chance to make their mark.