People in Bridgwater South will have a key role in deciding how a major government funding initiative can be used to improve their community.
Pride in Place is a 10-year national programme aimed at making a difference to people’s lives whilst ensuring they are at the heart of decisions on how the funding is spent.
Bridgwater Town Council and Somerset Council are working in partnership to support the initiative.
The Bridgwater South area is made up of the communities which surround the Meads which includes the Hamp neighbourhood and parts of Westover and is one of 169 areas in England to be selected. It will receive up to £20 million over the next decade to support projects that matter to the community.
This long-term investment is a vital opportunity for communities to address their local priorities and make lasting, positive change for residents through funding activities, initiatives or infrastructure that can improve their lives.
The area was selected by Government because it scores highly on the national index of deprivation in terms of amenities and quality of life.
The next steps will be to form a board made up from local people, along with a local chair. The board will work with Somerset Council, local members, Bridgwater Town Council and the MP to develop ideas for projects to fund. The aim is to have this in place by the summer.
The key objectives of Pride in Place are to:
• Build stronger communities – bring people together to create strong, resilient communities, and help people to feel proud of their area and safe in their neighbourhood
• Create thriving places – build vibrant neighbourhoods with busy high streets, a good range of local amenities and high-quality physical infrastructure
• Empower people to take back control – create opportunities to enable people to have a say over the future of their community and feel in control of their lives
There is a drop-in at the YMCA in Bridgwater, at the George Williams Centre, Friarn Avenue, TA6 3RF, from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday 8 April, where you can find out more about Pride in Place and how to get involved.
Councillor Brian Smedley, Leader of Bridgwater Town Council said:
This is a once in a generation opportunity for Bridgwater South. What makes Pride in Place different is that the people who live here will be the ones shaping the decisions and priorities.
They know their community best. This investment gives us the chance to tackle long standing issues, build on our strengths and create real, lasting improvements for local residents. I am determined that the voice of Bridgwater South will lead the way.
Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets said:
This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to lead in helping to transform their community.
Whether that’s with specific improvements to the built environment or initiatives that can make a real difference to people’s lives.
Local people will help decide how the money is spent, so I would urge residents to find out how they can get involved.
MP for Bridgwater, Sir Ashley Fox said:
I’m pleased that we have secured £20 million in funding for Bridgwater South. I have met with ministers to discuss the positive difference this funding can make and to ensure that local people are at the heart of how it is delivered.
This funding must reflect local priorities, with local people leading on shaping the projects that will make the biggest difference to their community.
I look forward to working alongside residents in Bridgwater South to ensure this investment delivers real, lasting benefits.
