Council launches Civic Pride 2026 at Westbury Park
Residents are being encouraged to take part in the first Civic Pride event of 2026.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is hosting the newest instalment of its successful initiative in Westbury Park and Northwood on Tuesday, 20 January.
The long-term scheme – delivered in collaboration with Aspire Housing, Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Staffordshire Police under a unified #PrideInNUL badge – aims to boost the borough’s reputation as a place which is clean, safe and friendly.
It’s a response to feedback from residents and captures some existing work but is also a call to arms for local people of all ages to get involved. Co-ordinated activities include litter picks, community safety drop-ins, walkabouts, maintenance works at local sites and bicycle security marking.
A general litter pick is taking place around Westbury Park from 10am, starting from the shops, and anyone is welcome to join in as equipment will be provided. The council’s Green Team is meeting up with young members of Clayton Hall Academy’s eco club to carry out a second litter pick.
Meanwhile, a drop-in session is available at the shops, from 10am to 2pm, where visitors can get information and advice about a wide range of subjects from the council and Staffordshire Police. “Yogi” will be on hand to talk about recycling.
Council Leader Simon Tagg said:
Civic Pride has already shown that remarkable things can be achieved when communities come together like this. We want to build on our initial success and we have the opportunity to do that with a packed 2026 calendar of events covering the whole of Newcastle-under-Lyme, starting in Westbury Park.
Civic Pride brings everyone together to make a positive difference across the borough by celebrating local identity, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and encouraging people to take active roles in improving the quality and spirit of where they live.”
The next Civic Pride event takes place in Thistleberry on Tuesday, 24 February.
For more information about the programme, or to find out how to get involved in future events, visit the council’s website or e-mail civic.pride@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk .
The complementary Civic Pride Investment Fund – which has seen community groups receive small grants for the first time to help them deliver their own projects – is set to continue subject to the approval of the council’s draft 2026/27 budget next month.