Independent Chair appointed for Skelmersdale South East Pride in Place Board

West Lancashire Borough Council has appointed Kevin Davidson as the Independent Chair of the Skelmersdale South East Pride in Place Partnership Board, which will oversee up to £20 million of investment in the Digmoor area over the next decade.

Kevin grew up in Digmoor, attended local schools and has spent more than two decades working in and for the Skelmersdale community.

His career includes extensive youth work, multi‑agency programmes with Lancashire County Council and 16 years as Chief Executive of SHARES Lancashire, supporting 31 local schools. He also serves as a governor at three Skelmersdale primary schools.

In his new role, Kevin will work closely with partners across the community, council and local organisations to establish a Neighbourhood Board by mid‑July which will develop a comprehensive regeneration plan for the area by the end of November.

Ashley Dalton MP said: "I’m delighted to have Kevin as the Chair of our Neighbourhood Board for Pride in Place. Kevin’s knowledge of the local area and his passion for helping Skelmersdale will be a huge asset to the programme.

“Local people will soon be hearing from us about how to get more involved, and I can’t wait to see this programme start to come to life.

“With Pride in Place, I’m delighted to see the government investing in Skelmersdale and giving local people the opportunity to make a real difference for generations to come.”

Kevin Davidson, appointed Independent Chair of the Skelmersdale South East Pride in Place Board, said: “Having grown up here, I know how much potential Skelmersdale South East has.

“I’m honoured to take on this role and I’m committed to working with local people, partners and organisations to build a regeneration plan that reflects our community’s priorities and ambitions.”

Councillor Neil Furey, Committee Chair for Communities and Environment, said: “Kevin’s appointment is a major step forward for the Pride in Place programme and for the future of Digmoor. His deep roots in the community and long track record of delivering for local people make him an ideal Chair to guide this work.

This investment represents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to improve neighbourhoods, strengthen community pride and create lasting change. We look forward to working closely with Kevin and residents to shape a brighter future for Skelmersdale South East.”