Professor Chris Proudman (left), with Councillor Herbert Manley
Professor of Equine Studies, Chris Proudman, has been appointed as the Chairman of the new Rural Regeneration Board for Cheshire West and Chester Council.
The Council has led the formation of the Rural Regeneration Board to support the sustainability of rural communities, deliver superfast broadband, support investment in the area and work with communities to support housing growth with the aim of improving employment, sustainability and general quality of life.
Professor Proudman said: “My personal commitment to the rural regeneration agenda arises from a lifetime of involvement in rural affairs and a deep affection and respect for rural communities.
The rural landscape and its guardians are an under-valued and under-invested-in resource. I commend Cheshire West and Chester Council’s resolve to address this oversight and am proud to be a part of their rural regeneration programme.
“The University has a long track record of working in partnership and developing external relationships. We want to ensure the knowledge and expertise developed through our research and teaching activity delivers impact for the communities on our doorstep, as well as those across the globe.”
Brought up in a small village in Warwickshire and currently resident in one of Cheshire’s small market towns, Chris has a good understanding of the concerns and problems of rural England.
His professional life has involved working with farmers, horse owners and rural event organisers in various parts of the UK, including Cumbria during the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 2001.
Councillor Herbert Manley, Executive Member for Prosperity at Cheshire West and Cheshire Council, said: “Professor Proudman brings a wealth of experience in the rural sector, together with first class organisational skills honed at a very high level.
“He’s under no illusions about the size of the task ahead but shares our determination to bring public and private sector together to secure a sustainable future for rural Cheshire West.”
A Board of up to 12 people will now be appointed and the first meeting will take place in September.