New Independent Chair appointed to lead Pride in Place Board for Central Stockton and Portrack

A new Independent Chair has been appointed to lead the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board for Central Stockton and Portrack. 

Michael Poole JP DL, the former High Sheriff of County Durham and the current Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the county, will take on the role following Central Stockton and Portrack's selection in September 2025 as part of the Government's Pride in Place programme. 

Over the next ten years, the area will benefit from £19.6 million in funding to support community‑led priorities including regeneration, education and employment, health and wellbeing, and safer, more connected communities. 

Central Stockton and Portrack is one 284 communities in the UK selected for the programme, which is designed to give local people a greater say in how long‑term investment is used to improve their neighbourhoods. 

A local businessman, born and residing in the Borough, Mr Poole established Michael Poole Estate Agents in 1994 and now employs over 50 staff across nine branches in the region. Involved with many local organisations over the years, he has served as a board member/trustee with The Greatham Foundation, Emma Simpson Trust, Five Lamps, and Teesside University. He is a patron of The Teesside Family Foundation, Clean Slate Solutions and has served as a local Magistrate for 28 years. 

As Independent Chair, Mr Poole will provide strategic leadership for the Pride in Place Board, helping to build on the area's strong community spirit and resident leadership. By bringing together residents, community groups, local businesses and partners, the Board will ensure the programme remains inclusive and reflects the needs and aspirations of local people. 

He will be supported by the new Vice Chair, the Reverend Mark Miller. Passionate about Stockton-on-Tees, Mr Miller has been the Vicar of Stockton Parish Church since 2016 and a Governor at Tilery Primary School since 2012. He brings extensive local knowledge and a strong commitment to supporting local people. 

Councillor Paul Rowling, the Council's Cabinet Member for Resources and Regeneration, said: "We are delighted to welcome Mr Poole and Mr Miller to these important roles. Their experience, commitment and understanding of our communities will be invaluable as we work with residents to shape how this significant investment is used. We are encouraging people to get involved at an early stage by completing the board's online survey or attending local drop-in sessions, so they can share their views and help shape the priorities for their area.

"The Pride in Place programme complements our existing work through Powering our Futures and key priorities in the Stockton-on-Tees Plan, helping to create stronger, more resilient neighbourhoods by putting local people at the heart of decision-making and long-term investment. The Chair and Vice Chair's leadership will be vital in ensuring this funding delivers lasting benefits for Central Stockton and Portrack." 

Mr Poole said: "With so many positive things happening in Stockton this is a great opportunity to reach out to residents and business and deliver on projects that will continue to help our town thrive - the input from our community is imperative to this Board's success." 

Mr Miller added: "What excites me about Pride in Place is that it is a community-led programme. Too often people feel that decisions are made somewhere else and then presented to them. Pride in Place is different. The Board has an important role to play, but our job is to listen well, bring people together and help create the space for local people to shape the future of their area. The best ideas won't come from a meeting room, they'll come from the people who live, work and spend their lives here." 

Residents are invited to attend the following drop-in sessions to share their views: 

• Wednesday 10 June, 10am-12 noon, Stockton Warm Welcome, Unit 34 Wellington Square 
• Saturday 13 June, 11am-3pm, Stockton Parish Church Hall 

Residents can also complete the online survey on the Council's website. Alternatively, paper copies are available from Stockton Central Library or can be requested by emailing prideinplacestockton@stockton.gov.uk. 

For more information, visit the Pride in Place webpage.