Weston-super-Mare's most disadvantaged neighbourhoods are poised to receive £20m to allocate as they see fit under a major government initiative.
Local MP Dan Aldridge (Labour) confirms he has obtained £2m a year for the next 10 years for Weston-super-Mare's most overlooked districts, including the Bournville, Oldmixon and Coronation estates.
A total of 330 of the nation's most deprived areas are due to receive the funding through the government's "Plan for Neighbourhoods," Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed today.
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Residents will establish committees to determine how to utilise the money, which may be deployed for initiatives such as enhancing local parks or acquiring vacant properties and converting them into community assets.
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' is being touted as Labour's response to the Conservative government's 'Levelling Up Fund'.
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Weston-super-Mare had previously benefited from a £20m injection from the initiative in 2023, which has been instrumental in funding the Tropicana revamp, Birnbeck Pier restoration, and town centre refurbishment. However, unlike the 'Levelling Up' scheme, where councils bid for funds, this plan will see finances allocated directly to boards of local residents in areas handpicked 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."
Mr Aldridge is inviting anyone interested in joining the board to help decide how to allocate the funding to get in touch with his office.