£60 Million Investment to Revitalise Lincolnshire Towns
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that three towns in Lincolnshire are among 55 UK localities set to benefit from a £1.1 billion 'levelling up' investment. Boston, Skegness, and Spalding will receive £20 million each over a decade.
Seeding Local Priorities
The windfall is devised to be expended on local preferences that may encompass rejuvenating town centres and safeguarding public safety. To manage this, town boards comprising community leaders, employers, local authorities, and local MPs are to be instituted with the task to strategise and implement long-term plans.
The Role of Businesses and Locals
In a statement, the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership emphasised the importance of businesses and local people in steering the future enhancements. They are poised to have a significant voice in matters, such as reinvigorating local commerce and community services.
Residents' Views on Funding
Spalding residents like Felicity Chapple and her husband shared their opinions on how the funding should be used. Mr Chapple pointed out the requirements to mend decaying infrastructure, reactivate out-of-business shops and revamp the local market. Mrs Chapple emphasised the need to revitalize the market and suggested incentives for traders. "What they need to do is really put some effort into getting some life back in the market, whether that means giving them special discounts or a farmer's market more often."
An anonymous male resident echoed the sentiment, voicing the need for wise allocation. Shopper Lisa Pugh also weighed in on the issue, plainly indicating the urgency to rectify the aesthetic deterrent of vacant shops. "There are so many empty and boarded up shops, I think it puts people off coming actually. The centre needs a lot of work."
Leaders' Take on the Funding
"This is fantastic and unexpected news for each town, our councils and the wider South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership,"
Stressed Councillors Nick Worth, Anne Dorrian, and Craig Leyland in a joint statement from their respective councils. They further showed enthusiasm for better understanding the extent to which the funds could boost local businesses and communities.
Prime Minister's Statement
Rishi Sunak highlighted the significance of towns and the need for a fresh focus on them: "Our Long-Term Plan for Towns puts funding in the hands of local people themselves to invest in line with their priorities, over the long-term. That is how we level up."