West Howe, Boscombe West and Hamworthy West have been selected as part of a group of 40 additional neighbourhoods to receive £20million each for regeneration through the Government’s pride in place programme, which aims to revitalise high streets, improve public spaces, and strengthen community pride.
Over the next ten years neighbourhoods that have been selected for the programme will receive £20million to strengthen and improve communities based off ideas from residents. This can include saving youth centres, repairing playgrounds, bringing empty buildings back into community use, and expanding affordable after‑school activities
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Councillor Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said: “We welcome the Government’s announcement to invest in West Howe, Boscombe West and Hamworthy West – this is good news for our communities.
“For too long Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been overlooked nationally as investment goes elsewhere in the country – an issue we have consistently raised with our local MPs – so it is positive to see this Government responding to our calls for such funding.
“As a local authority we continue to do all we can to protect services that look after vulnerable people, provide homes, and keep our streets clean and roads safe. Earlier this year Government announced cuts to the grant funding used to deliver these essential services.
“So, whilst today’s announcement is welcome, we will continue to call on government to provide sustainable funding for services and improvements, not just those in specific areas.
“Our communities are at the heart of everything we do. This investment will help to accelerate the positive work already happening across our neighbourhoods, where local people, partners and the council are working together to strengthen high streets, improve public spaces, create opportunities for young people and a sense of pride for everyone.
“No one understands our towns better than the people who live and work in them, and we will ensure residents shape the improvements they want to see.”