Weston-super-Mare set to receive £20 million for local neighbourhoods
The local MP has secured £2m a year for the next ten years
Weston-super-Mare’s most deprived areas are set to receive £20m to spend how they want under a major government project.
Local MP Dan Aldridge (Labour) says he has secured £2m a year for the next ten years for Weston-super-Mare’s most neglected areas, such as the Bournville, Oldmixon and Coronation estates.
330 of the most deprived areas in the country are set to receive the funding from the government’s “Plan for Neighbourhoods,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced today.
Locals will form boards to decide how to spend the money, which can be used for projects such as improving local parks to buying up empty buildings and turning them into something the community wants.
Mr Aldridge said: “Local people know their area and their needs better than anyone else.
“I am so pleased the government has recognised this in their approach and are putting significant resources back in the areas most in need. This is our chance to make a real difference and really improve the lives of those living in our communities by making the decisions ourselves.
“Securing an extra £2 million a year for ten years is a massive, much needed, investment in our communities, the opportunity is huge. We have a wide range of options to spend it and all ideas are welcome.”
The government’s “Plan for Neighbourhoods” has been seen as Labour’s answer to the Conservative government’s “Levelling Up Fund.”
Weston-super-Mare had also received £20m from that initiative in 2023, which is helping fund the Tropicana revamp, restoration of Birnbeck Pier, and restoration work in the town centre. But, unlike “Levelling Up,” where councils bid for funding, this will see the money delivered to boards of locals in areas chosen directly by the government.
Mr Aldirdge said: “When I was campaigning and knocking on doors at last year’s election, time and time again people raised with me that they felt left behind and communities like ours are too easily forgotten about. I promised to always fight their corner and put places like the Coronation, Oldmixon and Bournville on the map and today I am proud to be delivering on that promise.
“This is a chance for our communities to build on the awesome work of so many who have kept these areas going over the years, despite all the challenges. Let’s show everyone what we can do.”