Since 1997, area-based regeneration initiatives in Britain have focused upon the development of Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs) involving public authorities, statutory agencies and community and voluntary organizations in order to address the problems faced by deprived areas. In particular, the UK government’s National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal outlines a key role for community and voluntary sector groups in facilitating effective regeneration strategies in the eighty-eight Priority Areas identified by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. This paper draws upon a series of interviews with a range of participants involved in the development of the West Cornwall Neighbourhood Renewal partnership in order to explore the challenges and obstacles to effective voluntary and community sector involvement in regeneration initiatives.