MP backs move to extend Mablethorpe's £20m funding to neighbouring areas
The prospect of more coastal communities in the Mablethorpe area receiving vital government funding has been welcomed by MP Victoria Atkins,
Mablethorpe is set to be handed £20 million over the next ten years through the flagship Pride In Place programme, which aims to give local people the power to improve their towns and villages and turn them into flourishing places.
Originally, the funding was restricted to Mablethorpe itself. But now the boundary has been redrawn to encompass Sutton on Sea, Sandilands and Trusthorpe too.
Conservative Ms Atkins had raised concerns about the initial borders and is delighted that the geographic area has now been extended.
She said: “I welcome the news that the government has now amended the area covered by the Mablethorpe Pride in Place funding. Now the whole community will see the benefits of this investment.
"When I first met with civil servants, I warned them that the arbitrary borders they had drawn up were based on statistics, by officials who had not visited the local area, and so they did not realise that their plans were not reflective of the community.
"Local people should be the ones deciding where this money can be invested as they know where best it can support our community.
"I am glad that the government has listened to us, and I wish the new Neighbourhood Board, which is overseeing the funding, well as their work begins to deliver for our area.”
The funding is in place with three main aims – to support stronger communities, to create thriving places and to help people take back control.
It can be spent on a variety of projects and activities under these themes – the town centre; housing and homelessness; work and skills needed for jobs; bringing the community together; helping local people get involved in decision-making; health and wellbeing; transport and getting around town; safety and security; learning; and having access to opportunities.
Residents and businesses with ideas on how the funding should be utilised are encouraged to submit their proposals via the community platform, Together For Mablethorpe, which can be found at at www.togetherformablethorpe.co.uk