A MILLION-POUND package of community projects in Millom and Cleator Moor has received the go-ahead, it has been announced today.
Both towns will receive £500,000 of immediate COVID-19 recovery funding as part of the Government’s Towns Fund programme, thanks to a successful funding bid from Copeland Council.
Millom and Cleator Moor are in the running for up to £25 million each from the Towns Fund, and work is being led by the communities’ Towns Boards towards this. However, the Government invited bids from all shortlisted towns for this immediate funding – not dependent on the future main bid decision – for projects that can be completed by March 2021.
Proposals for both towns were submitted in August, and the Government has announced today that they have been accepted.
In Millom and Haverigg, the projects will improve the open spaces and support the repurposing of a long-standing empty commercial property.
The schemes are:
- Upgrading Millom Park to improve the offer and ensure that the facilities are more visible and easier for residents and visitors to access.
- Providing a new accessible cycling/running/walking track to develop an improved offer that will encourage residents to take up the opportunity for more activity and exercise.
- Providing a new digital trail, celebrating the poet Norman Nicholson by encouraging residents and visitors to access walk routes around the town.
- For the potential purchase of dilapidated buildings/sites requiring remediation and development within the Town Investment Plan to enhance Millom and Haverigg townscape and make the wider town more attractive and accessible to residents, businesses and visitors.
In Cleator Moor, the money will be used for projects that provide opportunities for residents to develop their physical activity and support their mental health and wellbeing through increasing access to green spaces and improving facilities. The schemes are:
- Upgrading the sports facilities in the town by renewing the change facilities to a new low carbon build, linked with existing improvements to ensure that the facilities are easier for residents and visitors to access.
- Providing new cycling/walking routes in the town connecting the existing cycleway to improve the affordability, convenience, reliability and sustainability of travel options to and from local shops, sports facilities and places of work.
- The route into the Square will also include upgrading work to the Jacktrees Road park to improve the offer for residents and visitors.
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “It’s extremely exciting times for both Millom and Cleator Moor and both Town Boards are driving their full bids forward at pace. It is very welcome news that we have been successful with bids for this immediate funding for both towns, and the projects that have been identified will make a positive difference to the communities.”
Trudy Harrison, Copeland MP, said: “It is testament to the commitment and hard work of key partners, Towns Board members and staff at Copeland Borough Council that this vital funding has been secured; and together, we will continue to work collectively to deliver these transformational projects for our communities.”
Kayleigh Daniels, Chair of the Cleator Moor Board, said: “This is extremely good news for Cleator Moor, and projects have been targeted that provide significant opportunities for our residents.”
Robert Morris-Eyton, Chair of the Millom Board, said: “The projects will provide a mix of immediate wins for Millom and Haverigg, and start the process of long-term investment in the town.”
Both full Town Investment Plans are due to be submitted by January 31, 2021.
