People in Blacon South will choose how to spend new funding of £20 million over the next ten years.

As part of the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government's 'Pride in Place Programme', the funding will be administered by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The long-term project is a new way of helping and boosting communities, with local people deciding how the funding is used in their area.

Plans will also be developed by the local community.

The strategy is designed to give communities certainty and control over their future through long-term funding of ten years - alongside wider efforts to improve local services, safety, and infrastructure.

Designed to target areas with high levels of deprivation, the funding aims to address some of the most pressing local issues within some of the UK's most deprived neighbourhoods, seeking to build stronger communities "with a shared sense of belonging".

There will be emphasis on creating thriving places with vibrant high streets, alongside empowering local people to shape the future of their neighbourhoods.

In Cheshire West and Chester, the funding will be used in Blacon South, Ellesmere Port town and Rossmore - identified by the government as areas with high levels of deprivation within them.

advertisement

The Government has chosen 250 areas, each with a population of around 10,000 people, that are 'doubly disadvantaged' by both the highest deprivation levels and weakest social infrastructure.

"I am delighted that Blacon South and Ellesmere Port Town and Rossmore have been chosen to receive Pride in Place funding," said Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council.

"This is a new and refreshing way of doing things which will be a different way of working than usual."

"It is based on the understanding that projects tend to work better when they are designed with the benefit of local knowledge and delivered with the support of the local community.

"Local people are best placed to make their own decisions on what they need in their areas, which will help to encourage pride in where they live and ultimately lead to more sustainable regeneration.

"Strong neighbourhoods and communities are vital to drive growth and improved outcomes in wellbeing, education, crime and health."

The council will soon release details on how to get involved.

The full Pride in Place Strategy can be found here.

advertisement