Luke Pollard, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, has today announced the appointment of Reverend Sue Nicolas as the Chair of his newly formed ‘Pride in Place’ board.
Rev Sue, a dedicated community leader, brings a wealth of local experience to the role. For the past four years, she has been responsible for St Aubyn Church, uniquely housed within Devonport Library, and serves as a governor at Mount Wise Primary School, bridging vital links between education, faith, and the wider neighbourhood.
Originally a primary school teacher, Rev Sue was ordained six years ago while living in South-East Cornwall before following a distinct calling to Devonport. To fully embed herself in the community she serves, she made the decision to sell her rural Cornish home and move into the local Vision estate. Sue lives in Devonport but recognises how important and individual Devonport, Mount Wise, and Morice Town each are.
Leading through the pandemic and beyond
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rev Sue spearheaded critical local support networks. Partnering with Reverend Michael Shaw of the Devonport Community Baptist Church and the charity Transforming Plymouth Together, she coordinated food distribution to local families during school holidays.
This initiative evolved into the permanent Devonport Food Club and regular ‘Feast of Fun’ sessions, designed to tackle holiday hunger and provide weekly access to affordable food without the barrier of referrals.
“The absolute definition of community spirit”
Luke Pollard MP said:
“I am absolutely delighted that Rev Sue Nicholas has agreed to chair our Pride in Place board. Sue is the absolute definition of community spirit. She doesn’t just work in Devonport; she lives here, breathes here, and has dedicated herself to making life better for local families.
“From tackling holiday hunger to her deep commitment to Mount Wise Primary, Sue understands that real pride in our community comes from the ground up, by supporting one another, protecting our spaces, and ensuring no one is left behind. Her leadership will be invaluable as we work to champion our local neighbourhoods.”
Responding to her appointment, Rev Sue Nicholas said:
“Being a part of this local community is now a fundamental part of my identity, and I am honoured to take on the role of Chair for the Pride in Place board. When I moved to the Vision estate, I knew Devonport was a special place, and the resilience and kindness I see here every day inspires me.
“Ultimately, I want the people who live in Devonport, Mount Wise, and Morice Town to feel that this is a place where they truly want to live, and I want to help lift their aspirations for the future. Whether it’s ensuring families have access to affordable food through our Food Club or supporting our young people at Mount Wise Primary, my focus has always been on strengthening the links that bind us together. I look forward to working alongside Luke to build on that foundation and ensure our community gets the recognition and support it truly deserves.”
What is the Pride in Place board?
The Pride in Place board will focus on grass-roots community initiatives, improving local neighbourhoods, and fostering a shared sense of civic pride across the constituency.
The programme is a milestone central government initiative designed to give local communities direct control over neighbourhood renewal, bringing up to £20 million in targeted funding over a 10-year period (£2 million annually) to support long-term regeneration.
In Plymouth, funding has been awarded to two distinct zones: Devonport, Mount Wise, and Morice Town, alongside St Budeaux. Key funding priorities identified by local consultation include:
- Revitalising high streets
- Restoring community spaces
- Improving parks and green spaces
- Supporting youth services
- Enhancing neighbourhood safety
Further details on the board’s upcoming projects and opportunities for residents to get involved will be announced in the coming weeks.