Local MP thanks RDA for protecting Weston's regeneration funds
6 July 2009
Weston-super- Mare MP John Penrose met with Ian Knight, the South West's Regional Development Agency (RDA) Area Director, last week (Friday, 3rd July) to thank him and the RDA for listening to his concerns and their subsequent promise not to pull the plug on regeneration funding in the sea-side town.
The RDA recently reviewed all the projects it funds in the South West because the Government reduced its funding by £56 million between now and 2011. John Penrose wrote to the Chief Executive of the RDA urging them not to cut any of the £6.5 million funds that the RDA is investing in Weston-super-Mare because he was concerned that the town is at a crucial point with many of its regeneration projects.
The body has now confirmed that the town's funding is secured, including the £5 million for Weston Civic Pride, which has already delivered Big Lamp Corner and Knightstone Island and will help deliver further improvements to The Promenade as well as upgrading Pier Square. The RDA will also honour its commitment of £1.5 million to assist the West of England Partnership to prepare major transport bids.
John Penrose said: "I'm absolutely delighted that the RDA have acknowledged the importance of these regeneration projects and will provide Weston with the money it has promised. "
"Over the last few decades Weston has suffered particularly harshly from the rapid decline of the traditional British seaside holiday market. Unfortunately, this has then been followed by an unhealthily-high concentration of drugs treatment and rehabilitation centres for a town of our size. "
"It's taken a great deal of time and effort from all sides to generate the forward momentum and redevelopment plans which are currently on the table for Weston. If the RDA's investment had been cut, some or all of these plans could have been destabilised with predictably disastrous consequences for the town."
"That's why I urged the RDA to remember the importance that their funding has for Weston-super-Mare, and how the town should be at the top of their list of priorities. I'm delighted then that they've protected Weston's funding and that these projects will now go ahead."
