Lancashire launches new Civic Pride plan to strengthen communities
A new countywide Civic Pride action plan has been unveiled to celebrate Lancashire’s identity, improve the everyday places where people live, work and spend time, and help communities feel prouder of where they live.
Cabinet members this week endorsed the action plan, supporting its focus on partnership working, community involvement and practical improvements to local areas.
The plan sets out a co-ordinated, cost‑neutral approach to strengthening Civic Pride across Lancashire through partnership working, community involvement and visible improvements to everyday spaces.
It focuses on caring for the local environment, celebrating Lancashire’s identity, supporting volunteers and strengthening trust between residents and local organisations.
The plan has a strong emphasis on practical action and community participation, recognising that small, everyday improvements can make a big difference to how people feel about their local area.
Key actions include:
- Greater recognition of volunteers and community champions, including the launch of the Pride of Lancashire Awards
- A countywide clean up campaign to support cleaner streets, public spaces and green areas
- Engagement with the Youth Council, schools and youth groups on civic pride projects throughout the year, including identifying youth champions
- Strengthening libraries and museums as local community hubs
- Promoting major cultural and sporting events as opportunities for communities to come together
- Publicising clear reporting routes for fly‑tipping, graffiti, vandalism and abandoned vehicles, working closely with district councils and the police
- Working with police and community safety partners to tackle anti‑social behaviour hotspots
- Stronger partnership working with district councils, community groups, businesses and the voluntary sector
The council will also introduce a Lancashire Civic Pride Charter, inviting partners across the county to commit to shared principles that promote pride in place, community wellbeing and collective responsibility.
The plan is designed to be shaped over time, with residents, partners and communities playing a central role in identifying priorities and driving local action.
Activity will build over the coming months, with opportunities for people to get involved and help shape how Civic Pride is delivered locally.
Progress will be monitored through the council's new Community Insight Hub, which will bring together local data and resident feedback to track progress, improve transparency and shape future activity.
Cllr Ella Worthington, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride, said: “Civic Pride is about more than places – it’s about how we feel when we walk down our streets, use our parks, libraries and high streets, and talk about where we live.
"This plan is about caring for the spaces we all share, celebrating Lancashire’s rich history and culture, and recognising the volunteers and community champions who quietly make a difference every day.
"This isn't about telling people what to do – it's about listening, working together and supporting small changes that add up to something much bigger.
"When people feel proud of their place, they feel connected to it. By working together, we can build stronger communities where everyone feels a shared responsibility for the wellbeing and reputation of the places they call home.
"After all, people are the council, and the council are the people.”
The action plan will be delivered using existing resources and in partnership with organisations across Lancashire.
Progress will be reported through regular updates to councillors and public‑facing “You said / We did” information.