Two Derbyshire towns could receive £25 million each in new Government funding

The towns eligible for support from the £3.6 billion Towns Fund include places with proud industrial and economic heritage but have not always benefited from economic growth in the same way as more prosperous areas.

Communities, businesses and local leaders will now join forces to draw up plans to transform their town’s economic growth prospects with a focus on improved transport, broadband connectivity, skills and culture.

Major Chesterfield road scheme put forward for £79 million Government cash

A total of 42 places across the Northern Powerhouse and 33 places in the Midlands Engine are among the 100 pioneers of new Town Deals as part of the government’s commitment to level up all regions by boosting productivity, skills and living standards.

Commenting, Councillor Martin Thacker, Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council and Lee Rowley, MP for North East Derbyshire, said:

“This is great news for Clay Cross and the wider District of North East Derbyshire. Working together as a team, we have managed to secure funding to help the continued improvement and regeneration of Clay Cross town centre, ensuring that we can build the right infrastructure and develop the skills we need for the future.

"This is a great example of how a Government, a District Council and an MP can work together to make areas better.

"Both of us are committed to continuing to speak up for North East Derbyshire and to ensuring we receive our fair share."

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, added: “Chesterfield Borough Council is very pleased to see Staveley selected for the opportunity to benefit from the £3.6bn Towns Fund.

“We welcome the opportunity to develop proposals to secure funding from the programme and will immediately start to engage with local partners.

“Our aim will be to achieve as much funding as we can to support Staveley’s communities and businesses to grow and prosper for years to come.”

Local Government Secretary, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, said:

"Ensuring that prosperity and opportunities are available to everyone in this country, not just those in London or our biggest cities, is at the heart of the mission of this government.

"We want to level-up our great towns, raising living standards and ensuring they can thrive with transformative investment in transport, technology, skills and culture."

Councillor Michael Powell, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration and Planning said:

“Erewash Borough Council is pleased to note that Long Eaton has been shortlisted to apply for a Town Deal from the Government’s Town Fund.

“The prospectus detailing how the fund will operate and the eligibility criteria for funding have not yet been published. Although up to £25m may be available, the actual award will be dependent on the merits of the business case and agreed value for money assessments.

“In December 2018, the council approved a plan of transport interventions needed in Long Eaton and this plan will provide a starting point for further discussions with other stakeholders, businesses and the community in order to develop a strong local partnership bid.”