Locals to be asked how millions should be spent to help transform parts of Exeter
The money has come from the Government's Pride in Place fund
Exeter's Whipton and Heavitree areas are getting £20 million from the Government's 'Pride in Place' programme - with locals asked how the £2-million a year - for the next decade - should be spent.
Steve Race, MP for Exeter, said: “£20m investment is huge news for communities in Whipton and Heavitree and I’m delighted that the Government has responded to my call for Pride in Place funding.
“For too long under the last Tory government, some communities have felt they were left behind. I hear people’s hopes and aspirations for their neighbourhood, and to rebuild some of the opportunity and services that they used to have. I’ve taken this back to government and made the case that communities in Whipton and east Heavitree deserve better.
“Local people will be in the driving seat of decision-making about how to spend this £20 million. I’m excited to begin the discussion with people about what they would like to see the money spent on – it could be improved outdoor spaces, work to tackle antisocial behaviour, delivering new skills programmes, or more provision for young people. Whatever it is, this money will go a long way to inspiring new pride in our communities.”
Cllr Matt Vizard, Exeter City Council Portfolio Holder for Communities and Labour candidate for Newtown & St Leonards. said: "The Labour Government's Pride in Place funding for Exeter is fantastic news. By working together nationally and locally, only Labour can deliver for Exeter. We have steered the city through years of cuts from Tory and Coalition governments; now I am filled with hope for what we can achieve in Exeter. While opposition parties talk down our city, our Labour MP and councillors champion our communities, businesses and organisations, and deliver positive change.
"This funding represents a huge investment in Whipton and Heavitree, and will bring wider benefits to the city. Above all, it empowers local people to generate ideas to shape and boost pride in their communities. I am excited to see what projects come forward."
Cllr Liz Pole, Exeter City Councillor for Mincinglake and Whipton. said: “Whipton welcomes this thrilling £20 million Pride of Place funding from the UK Government.
“Our Labour councillor team will fight tooth and nail to make sure our neighbourhoods get a generous share of the "Heavitree & Whipton" pot every year from now until 2037. Our team actively listens to thousands of residents every year, and with our proven record we are well placed to work with local grassroots organisations so that investment goes to what matters most.
“Thankfully what Whipton currently lacks in infrastructure, we more than make up for in our resilient "village" community spirit. I imagine Whipton will want to offer our young people new opportunities, fix our tired infrastructure and give a great big boost to our excellent grass roots community groups, but what's brilliant about the scheme is that it gives our community choices and options about the priorities as well as money to fund them.”