Following confirmation that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government was pushing forward with significant project funding, MP Trudy has urged the successful first stage towns of Millom and Cleator Moor to pull out all the stops.
The Towns Fund will invest £3.6 billion into over 100 towns, as part of the government’s plan to level up our regions.
Both towns have worked well during the crisis, being described by the Copeland MP as shining examples of community spirit in action. Trudy has written to the leading lights and urges the same sense of collaboration to continue to secure millions of transformational project funding.
She says “both towns have demonstrated their potential to really benefit from a share of the £3.6 billion government fund to help level up our regions. The Minister responsible has today written to me to encourage Copelands applications. The purpose of the funding will be to help to increase the economic growth of the towns with a focus on regeneration, improved transport, better broadband connectivity, skills and culture.
Trudy adds that both towns have rich cultural and industrial heritage, but it is an unparalleled ambition to strive for a successful future, with joined up action that is now needed, to get the bids over the line.
Robert Morris-Eyton chair of Millom Towns fund board said: “We welcome with enthusiasm the guidance and promise of very substantial funding for Millom.
“The great ideas and aspirations for Millom must now be turned into a cohesive strategy for submission to Government. It is an exciting one-off opportunity for Millom to obtain the substantial investment into projects that will change residents’ lives for the better.”
Kayleigh Daniels Cleator Moor Towns fund Board said: “The Cleator Moor Town Deal Board welcome the release of the guidance, the initiative has a real opportunity to deliver transformational changes to the town and we’re pleased to see it going ahead. The recent situation has had a significant impact on the businesses within the town, however the additional time allows us to focus on the opportunities it presents for the future and produce a quality submission.”
The communities of both towns are driving the bids, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is asking the people in Millom and Cleator Moor and surrounding area’s to suggest how the money could be spent.
Ideas can be submitted on issues including skills, transport, employment and regeneration. Submit your ideas at www.copeland.gov.uk/regeneration-projects