A £20m cash injection for Heywood has been backed by government ministers.
Key political figures have confirmed the town on the outskirts of Rochdale is one of the 55 areas across the country to benefit from the Towns Fund. The government has announced the scheme will continue, fully funded, and reformed into a new ‘regeneration programme’.
There had been concern the project could have been dropped following a spending review undertaken by the Labour government following their return to power in July. However, after the party's budget announcement on October 30, the 55 towns across the country will be given funding over 10 years to invest in a ‘change-plan’.
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The next step will be to decide how the money will be spent, a decision which rests with the Heywood Town Board.
Else Blundell, MP for Heywood and Middleton North, said: “Despite the black hole in the finances left by unfunded promises from the last government, I am delighted that Rachel Reeves has prioritised funding to Heywood and is supportive of local decision-making on where and how it is spent.
“Local businesses, the council and other organisations know best what we need here, and I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and joining in.”
Brian Davies JP, chair of the Heywood Town Board, added: “This is welcome news and gives us confidence to rely on the funding and make our plans come to fruition.
“We have been working with local people to identify Heywood’s needs and how to make the largest impact by working together.”
