Sefton Council leader reacts to the Levelling up funding announcement made by the government
Responding to news that the Government has once again turned down Sefton Council’s Levelling Up Fund bids focused on Bootle and Crosby, the authority’s Leader Cllr Ian Maher said:
“By once again ignoring our bids that would have supported the revitalisation of Bootle and Crosby, the Government has confirmed it has no interest in real levelling up in this country.
“Despite us pointing out that these were areas which were hardest hit by COVID-19 and where some of the country’s highest levels of deprivation are found, the Government’s so-called Department of Levelling Up insisted on assessing our bids in the lowest category.
“This has meant deprived urban areas like Bootle and Crosby’s needs have been assessed against places like the Royal Borough of Tunbridge Wells, Windsor where the Royal Family live, Cambridge and the City of London.
Slap in the face
“Sadly, this is yet another slap in the face for local people which represents neither a ‘stepping up’, ‘gauging up’ or ‘enhancing communities’ no matter what this Government wants its MPs to call it.
“It’s a setback to our ambitious plans, but we are determined to do what this Government refuses to step up to deliver the boosts our local communities, economies and businesses deserve.
“However, if Sefton is to nonsensically remain in the lowest level of priority, we need to reflect on whether we should be continuing to invest our scarce resources in these incessant beauty contests, which this time has seen funding awarded for the Prime Minister’s own constituency and for Rutland, one of the least deprived constituencies in the country.”
Bootle
In Bootle, Levelling UP funding would have helped underpin the major regeneration scheme to transform the town centre, focused on the iconic The Bootle Strand.
The plans will result in a more diverse and better-quality town centre with new food and drink; culture, arts and entertainment space which will be branded Salt and Tar and will host Comedy and Music festivals later this year. There will also be a new, hi-tech gigabyte fast digital hub, education and training, business support and a new integrated health and social care hub will all be available on the high-street.
Crosby
In Crosby, the funding would have underpinned a programme of regeneration that will enhance the viability and vitality of Crosby town centre and support local businesses by helping to attract more residents and visitors. Among the elements of the plan are a new learning, skills, health and well-being hub housing a library, GP/community health care and a place for people to both work and develop skills.
A significant upgrade of the main gateways into Crosby town centre, better pedestrian and cycle access and new electric vehicle charging points in car parks, is also planned.