Southport is set to receive up to £25 million to rejuvenate Lord Street and its local economy after the towns MP, Damien Moore, secured Government backing.
The MP, communities, and local businesses will now join forces to draw up ambitious plans to transform the town’s economic growth prospects with a focus on improved transport, broadband connectivity, skills and culture.
Damien Moore, Member of Parliament for Southport welcomed the news by saying:
“I am delighted to be able to announce that after my continued efforts to attract Government investment into Southport that these calls have been answered.
“Whilst Labour-led Sefton Council continue to bleed Southport dry, using our town as a cash-cow for their projects in Bootle – including £32.5 million to purchase The Strand using an offshore account – it is a Conservative MP under a Conservative Government that it is delivering.
“I know our towns businesses will welcome this news, as will local residents. Southport now has a fighting chance and I am delighted to have delivered the single largest direct investment in a generation.
“For the first time in 20 years, Southport’s voice is being heard at the heart of Government.”
Local Government Secretary, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, said:
“Ensuring that prosperity and opportunities are available to everyone in this country, not just those in London or our biggest cities is at the heart of the mission of this government.
“We want to level-up our great towns, raising living standards and ensuring they can thrive with transformative investment in transport, technology, skills and culture.
“I will now work with local people from the 100 communities announced today to agree proposals to invest up to £25 million in each place. I hope these deals will provide the investment and the impetus for long-term renewal ensuring each town can look to the future with a new optimism.”
Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Rt Hon Jake Berry MP said:
“In July, the Prime Minister promised to level up 100 towns across the country, and today we’re delivering that promise.
“The best answers for local people will come from local people, that’s why we have listened to people living in these towns and will support them with a mega £3.6 billion fund to drive jobs and economic growth.
“Five years on from the launch of the Northern Powerhouse, we are reaffirming our commitment to the people of the North so they have the support they need to be at the leading edge of a confident, global Britain when we leave the EU on 31st October.”
The Government will soon publish a prospectus to guide Southport through the process and set eligibility criteria for funding.
Once approved, the new Town Deal will improve connectivity, provide vital social and cultural infrastructure and boost growth – with communities having a say on how the money is spent. Decisions on funding any proposals will be made in due course.
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