TWO Portsmouth priests have been appointed as independent chairs to lead neighbourhood boards in the city.

The Ven Bob White, Archdeacon of Portsdown and vicar of St Mary's Church in Fratton, (pictured above right) will lead the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board in Landport, while the Rev Hugo Deadman, vicar of Paulsgrove, (above left) will lead the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board in Paulsgrove.

They were appointed by Portsmouth City Council, working closely with the city’s MPs. These boards will now shape how £20m of long-term government investment will be used in each neighbourhood.

The Pride in Place programme is part of the government’s 10‑year strategy to restore local pride, tackle deprivation and empower communities to lead decision‑making. Neighbourhood Boards will bring together residents, partners and local organisations to develop a long‑term plan driven by local priorities.

Cllr Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Fr Bob and Fr Hugo into these important roles. Both bring deep knowledge of their communities, strong connections and a genuine commitment to residents. This marks another important step in our work to invest in the things people care most about in Landport and Paulsgrove.”

Fr Bob said: "It is an honour to be asked to serve the community of which I have been a resident for the last 25 years. I am looking forward to ensuring every voice and idea is heard as we work together to help improve the quality of our lives in Fratton West and Landport."

And Fr Hugo said: "I'm honoured to serve as part of Pride in Place - and honoured to live and serve in Paulsgrove. It's a cracking place, full of amazing people. There's already plenty of pride in our place. This programme represents a fantastic opportunity to create exciting, sustainable projects that reflect that pride and come from the people who know best; the people of Paulsgrove!"

Stephen Morgan MP for Portsmouth South said: “With Landport’s Pride in Place neighbourhood board chair now chosen, today is a major step forward for this community-led programme in the heart of our city. I look forward to working with Fr Bob to ensure that Pride in Place funding is a catalyst for change, makes a real difference to people’s life chances and community voices are heard”

And Amanda Martin MP for Portsmouth North said: "This is a really exciting moment, we now have a chair in place for the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board, and the next chapter for Paulsgrove can begin.

"A big thank you to everyone who put themselves forward or who has stopped me to talk about this investment over the past few months, it’s clear how much people care about their community. Now the hard work begins. This is about making sure local people are at the heart of decisions and that this investment delivers real change where it’s needed most.

"I know Fr Hugo will be a fantastic chair for Paulsgrove. He cares deeply about the community and will bring people together to make the most of this opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with him, residents and partners to make sure this funding makes a lasting difference.”

Both chairs will now work with residents, the council and the local MPs to establish the Neighbourhood Boards by July 2026. More information about Pride in Place can be found at Pride in Place programme - Portsmouth City Council