MPs say £60m funding will 'transform' local areas

MPs have welcomed £60m of government funding for their areas, saying it will be "transformational".

Luton's Marsh Farm suburb and its Central ward will each receive £20m from the national Pride in Place scheme, as will Stevenage's St Nicholas ward.

"For too long, our community has seen buildings left empty, public spaces neglected, and local voices ignored. Today marks a turning point," said Kevin Bonavia, the Labour MP for Stevenage.

The funding was also welcomed by the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, although Amjid Ali, leader of the Lib Dem Group on Luton Borough Council, raised concerns other wards were being neglected.

He said "funding must be fair, transparent and based on need".

The government's scheme is aimed at areas with high levels of deprivation.

It hopes "to rebuild pride" and "create new opportunities for young people".

Bonavia said: "The power is directly in the hands of our community, where local people will decide which issues to address and how to spend [the] funds."

Philip Bibby, leader of the Conservatives on Stevenage Borough Council, said: "I am delighted and excited for the residents who should see their environment and lives improve.

"I will ensure that the community is fully involved in deciding how this much-needed investment is spent."

Luton has already received £1.5m from the same scheme, which will be administered via the council.

The town's two Labour MPs, Rachel Hopkins and Sarah Owen, ran a survey to ask people how they wanted the £1.5m to be spent.

More than 600 responses asked for improvements to parks and green spaces, youth and children's provision, and sports and community facilities.

Luton's Labour Party suggested local people would "be given new powers" to seize boarded-up shops, block nuisance businesses, and "revitalise local areas".

Owen said: "This funding will be transformational for people in Marsh Farm.

"It will create jobs and opportunities, help improve community facilities and green spaces, make streets cleaner, safer and more welcoming, and strengthen the groups that bring communities together."

But Ali said: "While areas such as Marsh Farm have benefitted from clear regeneration funding, other deprived communities are being overlooked.

"Areas like Biscot, Dallow, and Saints clearly need investment, yet we cannot see the same level of targeted funding going into these wards."

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