A Withernsea businessman has been appointed to lead the board overseeing a £19.6 million regeneration programme, as its boundary expands to include the whole town and Rimswell parish.
Howard Gant, who also chairs Withernsea AFC, has taken over from interim chairman Jayne Nendick on the Withernsea East and Patrington Pride in Place Board.
He chaired his first meeting on September 25 and has committed to serving until at least March 2028.
His appointment followed an expression of interest process open to all board members and was approved by East Riding Council and Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart.
The Government has also approved an extension to the programme’s boundary, bringing the whole of Withernsea and Rimswell parish into the area covered by the long-term investment.
Rimswell’s inclusion recognises its close links with Withernsea through local services, travel patterns and community connections. The expanded area includes Withernsea Cemetery, Waxholme Trading Estate, Tedder Hill Wind Farm and the route of the Greenwich Meridian.
Approval of the board arrangements and wider boundary by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has unlocked a further £135,000 in revenue funding to support the programme’s next stage.
The board has also proposed a new name – Withernsea and Patrington to the Point. Developed by board members, it is intended to give the programme a clearer, more inclusive identity reflecting the communities, villages and coastline it serves.
Work is now under way to review almost 1,200 responses received through local events and online surveys during the first phase of public engagement.
Board members are working with East Riding Council to identify priorities from the feedback and help shape future investment proposals.
They have also begun meeting parish clerks as part of continuing engagement across the area. Further opportunities for residents, businesses and community organisations to get involved will be announced shortly.
Dedicated communications and engagement channels are expected to be in place in the coming weeks, providing regular updates and opportunities to participate.
Howard said: “I’m pleased to have been appointed chair of the board and look forward to working alongside local residents, organisations and fellow board members.
“Thank you to everyone who has taken part in the engagement so far. The response demonstrates how much people care about the future of Withernsea, Patrington and the surrounding villages, and that feedback will play an important role in shaping the board’s priorities.
“We now have an opportunity to turn those views into a practical plan and invest in projects that make a lasting difference to our area.”
Mr Stuart said: “I’m excited to see consultation turn to action as we look to improve opportunity and quality of life in Withernsea and the villages.
