Two Skegness villages set to receive £2.55 million investment funding

Ingoldmells and Chapel St Leonards are to receive £2.55 million in funding, it has been announced.

The two villages are among 60 areas of “deprivation” around the UK chosen to share £175 million through the new Community Wealth Fund.

The only other area selected in Lincolnshire is in Lincoln.

Co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and the Government’s Dormant Assets Scheme, the programme aims to strengthen community power and decision-making by giving local people the tools, support and investments to shape the future of where they live.

Charities and community organisations in the selected areas can apply to distribute the funding locally for the next 10 years.

The £2.55 million is the combined total to be shared between both of the large coastal villages which rely heavily on tourism, but are in need of investment.

The Community Wealth Fund aims to put communities themselves “firmly in the driver’s seat” when it comes to tackling local challenges and creating lasting change. 

A National Lottery spokesperson said: “Areas have been selected based on national data on high levels of deprivation, and low social capital and community infrastructure to enable them to take full advantage of their strengths.

“Charities and community groups in the chosen areas, will be able to apply to decide how the money is spent over the next 10 years. Those selected will need to show how they will give local people a central role in decision-making. 

The fund aims to give residents the tools and spaces they need to come together and shape the future of their community.

“Funding could support creating or improving local community spaces and places; support community activities and local services; or support the development of local leadership,” the spokesperson explains. “In one area, that could mean creating a youth council to give young people a stronger voice in local decision-making. In another, it could mean developing a community allotment that brings people together who may be struggling with isolation or their mental health.“

David Knott, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Community Fund, added: “Real community power means local people having the opportunity, resources and authority to shape the decisions that affect their lives and own them for the long term - not simply being consulted after decisions have been made.”

Applications will open in phases for organisations seeking to lead the distribution of funding. The first phase, opening in January, will cover the East Midlands.