The first wave of Stoke-on-Trent community projects awarded a share of the £1.5 million Pride in Place Impact fund have been announced.

Following the launch of the fund earlier this year, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has announced the first projects that will aim to bring improvements to community spaces, parks, high streets and public places across the city.

It comes after a total of 187 nominations were made and a panel consisting of Stoke-on-Trent's three MPs, local councillors and representatives from tenants', youth and faith forums met to decide which projects to approve.

The first projects announced by Stoke-on-Trent City Council:

• £10,000 to install five new pieces of gym equipment at Mace Street Park, Trent Vale.
• £10,000 to install five-a side goals and other sporting facilities at Waterdale Park, Longton
• £9,650 to refurbish and replace broken equipment at Ball Green Park, including a new bench and sensory board
• £1,000 to clean and paint equipment at Milton Park

The first wave includes a wide mix of projects. Some projects will be delivered by external organisations - subject to them signing Grant Funding Agreements - and some by the council itself.

The external projects will be announced over coming weeks as the funding agreements are signed.

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "They are evenly spread across the city and have been chosen to deliver real community benefits and promote equality, diversity and inclusion."

More details on the chosen projects are expected to be unveiled over the coming days and weeks.

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Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "The Pride in Place Impact fund is all about confidence, connection and community.

"The projects that have been chosen in the first wave will deliver for the people of Stoke-on-Trent, benefitting dozens of communities and unlocking potential.

"The money is being invested rapidly and directly into the spaces that matter most to residents and community organisations and will empower local people. Soon we will see some very visible improvements that enhance neighbourhoods and strengthen local pride."

The project announcement comes ahead of a bigger Pride in Place cash injection.

This will see up to £60 million of government money spent on projects in three neighbourhoods that ministers have identified as in need of targeted investment: Meir North; Bentilee and Ubberley; and Bradeley, Chell Heath and Fegg Hayes.

Dr Allison Gardiner, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, said: "I'm proud to see the Government investing in Stoke-on-Trent through the Pride in Place Impact Fund, and even prouder to have played a part in helping secure this support for our communities.

"The number of brilliant projects that came forward is a real testament to the passion, creativity and commitment of residents in this city. My constituents deserve strong, local facilities and community spaces to bring people together.

"This funding is an investment in both our places and our people - and I look forward to seeing the positive difference it will make to my constituents and our city."

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David Williams, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, added: "This is really positive news for people in Ball Green and Milton. Time and again, residents tell me they want to see investment in the places they use every day, whether that's local parks, green spaces or community facilities, and that's exactly what this funding will help deliver.

"Our parks are at the heart of our communities. They're where families spend time together, where children play, where people walk their dogs and where neighbours meet. Everyone deserves to have access to clean, safe and welcoming spaces that they can be proud of.

"The Pride in Place programme is about backing our communities and giving local people a real say in shaping the future of their area. These improvements are a direct investment in Ball Green and Milton and will help make both communities even better places to live.

"I'm delighted to see this funding coming into our area and I'll continue working with local partners to make sure Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove gets the investment it deserves."

The funding comes after ministers announced last year that Stoke-on-Trent would be among 95 areas to receive money from the UK Government.

The fund will run until March 2027, with projects chosen and delivered in phases. More information on the fund can be found on the Stoke-on-Trent City Council website here.