Ian Levy MP has welcomed news that the Prime Minister has confirmed £750,000 of funding for Blyth. The announcement is part of a wider economic package to accelerate infrastructure projects, fuelling jobs and the country’s economic recovery following coronavirus.
As part of this, Blyth will benefit from a cash boost to spend on projects such as improvements to parks, high streets and local transport. It is receiving the funding as one of the 101 towns previously selected for town deals, under the Conservative Government’s plans to level up places across the country.
Ian Levy said: “I am delighted that Blyth will benefit from this funding and I will be working with Northumberland County Council to develop plans that will transform our area and help Blyth Valley thrive as we move beyond the coronavirus pandemic.
“This investment adds to the £5m scheme to refurbish Blyth Sports Centre and the £10m committed for the design phase to re-instate passenger rail services into Newcastle from Bebside and Newsham, as well as Seaton Delaval.
“The town has much to look forward to thanks to funding provided by both the government and county council. A £40m bid for Future High Streets Fund will also be determined this year.”
The Towns Fund is targeted at areas with proud industrial and economic heritage that have not always benefitted from economic growth in the same way as more prosperous areas. The announcement brings the first tranche of money from the Fund to help each area meet some of the immediate challenges they face as a result of COVID-19 and to invest in shovel ready projects.
The Prime Minister has announced £5 billion to invest in Britain’s infrastructure, as part of the New Deal for Britain, in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. The package of measures, including improving town centres, is designed to upgrade Britain’s infrastructure and skills to fuel economic recovery across the UK.
