‘WE will bid again’ says Redditch council leader after the town misses out on £20m of levelling up funding.
The government has turned down Redditch’s bid for £20m to regenerate Matchborough and Winyates centres – a decision that has been labelled ‘disappointing’.
Last year, Redditch Borough Council submitted a bid to build new commercial and residential properties, improve public realm and demolish outdated buildings.
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At the time of submission, Redditch was placed in the top priority category representing the highest level of need.
But, despite this the town has been ‘left short’ says the Redditch Labour leader, Cllr Joe Baker.
He said: "I am disappointed that, once again, Redditch has been left short and, in this case, has completely been left out of government funding despite the promises of the Prime Minister and Rachel Maclean MP.
“I can only feel empathy for our residents who would have benefited from the funding and what it could have achieved.”
However, council leader Matt Dormer has assured that another bid will be submitted in the next round of funding.
“I’m disappointed and we are waiting for feedback – we will see why we scored the way we did,” said Cllr Dormer.
“If the projects were not the right projects, then we will look at different ones.
“We will submit again and be more ambitious.
“Anything else that comes we will bid for it.”
MP for the town, Rachel Maclean said it was not the outcome she was hoping for but has been informed there will be another round of Levelling Up funding.
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“We’re also levelling up our great town in many other ways through record investment in our NHS, more police on our streets, £2.5 million from the Shared Prosperity Fund, £85,000 to Level Up Arrow Valley Park and Arrow Vale High School has been selected for a complete rebuild or substantial refurbishment as part of the government’s School Rebuilding Programme.
“It’s undeniable that this government is investing in Redditch, and I will continue to make sure our town receives the investment it deserves.”
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