MELKSHAM could be in line for millions of pounds of investment to help “regenerate” the town centre, says local MP, Michelle Donelan.
She says that she has launched a bid for funding from the government’s ‘Levelling Up Fund’, which is designed to improve local infrastructure, develop town centres and help local businesses.The MP has also launched an online survey for residents and small businesses to express their views on where investment should be made.
However, caution has been expressed by her fellow Conservative MP in a neighbouring constituency, Andrew Murrison – who says it will be Wiltshire Council who makes the decision over investment and not the Government – and Melksham’s newly-elected mayor, cllr Jon Hubbard who says the town council should be involved in what Michelle Donelan is hoping to achieve.
The country’s levelling up fund was announced in the Queen’s Speech as a push to level up opportunities across all parts of the UK. Its aim is to allow people and communities who feel they have been left behind to get a chance to catch up.
Local MP, Michelle Donelan, who is Government Minister of State (Education), has stressed that her bid – that will focus on “strengthening the local economy” and “building civic identity” – is the start of a “continual attempt to ramp up local investment”.
However, MP for South West Wiltshire, Andrew Murrison says that MPs will not be deciding where any money is spent. He said, “Where [that] fund will be spent will be decided by Wiltshire Council and the MPs decided at a meeting that we would make sure we had a unified bid. That we speak with one voice. Hopefully we will get a bid for the area that will be acceptable.
“Michelle Donelan would have to do her bid through Wiltshire Council. Each one of us has an interest in our area – Wiltshire Council will have to make the judgement.”
Welcome investment
Mayor of Melksham, cllr Jon Hubbard said, “What I hope Michelle does is include the town council in what she is doing. I’m a little concerned that myself and the town council have been receiving briefing notes from Wiltshire Council asking us not to talk about the project – and then we have Michelle Donelan issuing press releases saying that it’s all about her.
“The Priority for People project that the town council has been working on for many months now has been talking about investment into the town centre and improving it – so I really hope that Michelle will work with us to take the outcomes of the consultation that we’re running and to listen to the views of the 15 people that have been elected to represent Melksham and involve us in any work that she does.
“Obviously I would welcome any investment she is able to bring to our town, but I hope that she does it with the town council, and not to the town council.”
Grab opportunity
About the bid, Michelle Donelan MP said, “I meet so many people who tell me that Melksham is a great place to live, but it needs a town centre that’s fit for today and for the coming years.
“We all know there are too many empty buildings and where the run-down areas are, but we also have lots of successful long-established family businesses and fantastic community groups. I want to give them the support they need to succeed.
“I want us to grab this opportunity for Melksham and I will be working with and on behalf of the Melksham community to deliver on our local ambitions.”
Michelle Donelan’s online survey for residents has highlighted Littlebrook Centre, the junction of Lowbourne with Bank Street/ High Street, Avon Place, Melksham House, and the area south of the Market Place, as areas needing investment.
Local businesses have been cautiously optimistic about the prospect of investment. Owners of Andy York Photography, Andy and Christine York said, “We were pleased to see Littlebrook included in the survey. We are often overlooked here.
“It’s a positive move by Michelle to concentrate on Melksham. The town needs help, so it’s great to see Michelle focussing on Melksham and trying to do something for us.
“What would be nice, if she does manage to get a grant, is to ensure that local businesses have an input into how the money is spent.”
The resident survey is now open and is available online. Visit the website: https://forms.gle/mjThj331qF5QcTvr7).
The survey for any small or micro business in the Melksham area, which is seeking to grow, is available online: https://forms.gle/aY6qHVN2b74w2jL77
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