Erewash Sound presenter joins £20m funding board

A volunteer presenter at Erewash Sound will help decide how £20m of community funding is spent locally.

Richard Dawson has been appointed to the Cotmanhay Neighbourhood Board, which will oversee distribution of Government regeneration funding across the area over the next decade. He will represent cultural, arts, heritage and sporting organisations as part of the group.

The board will decide how the Pride in Place funding is allocated, following engagement with residents and local organisations. Members have been selected for their backgrounds in areas including community support, social enterprise and the arts.

Richard has been involved with Erewash Sound, based in Cotmanhay since its FM launch in 2010, where he works as a presenter and producer. He said: “I have been given the privilege to serve on the Pride in Place board in Cotmanhay and am really excited to be able to serve the community and help it find its voice.”

Chair Jenni Wright said the group brings together people with strong local connections to ensure decisions are community-led. She added: “Our priority is delivering the £20m funding for the community, and these appointments bring the necessary expertise to make this happen.”

The first board meeting is scheduled for June, with wider community engagement planned for the summer.