20 Million pounds promised for Blyth as part of "Levelling Up" promise
The Government has announced a package of funding for the town
The Government is promising more than £20m of funding for Blyth, which is one of the most deprived areas in Northumberland.
The Department For Levelling Up say the money will be use to regenerate run down housing, reduce health inequalities, improve skills training and job access for people living in Blyth, and spread opportunity.
So far the Government hasn't said when this money will arrive - or over how long - but say it will support the town's transition from a coal exporter to a leading clean energy port.
Measures announced today include:
• Housing: An £18 million boost will repurpose run-down and empty homes into high-quality affordable housing to rent and convert under-occupied offices into new apartments. Some of the funding will also go towards making social housing more energy-efficient.
• Employment support: Almost £1.5 million will fund new high-tech training equipment at the town’s Energy Central Campus, providing local young people with a route to high-quality jobs on their doorstep.
• Anti-social behaviour: A £200,000 initiative to reduce crime in Blyth including by extending CCTV provision in the town centre and establishing a new partnership between local businesses and the police. These interventions will target anti-social behaviour, substance misuse and theft in particular.
• Health: Government will strengthen local partnerships between Jobcentre Plus and NHS services in Blyth so more disabled people and those with health conditions are supported to start, stay and succeed in work. DHSC is also working with Northumberland Council to support more smokers to quit, complementing the £35 million recently allocated to address health inequalities across the whole of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System over the next 3 years.
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said:
“For too long, Blyth has been deprived of the opportunities to make the most of its startling potential.
“Deeply entrenched issues require an ambitious solution, which is why we have worked closely with local leaders on a package of measures that will improve the lives of the local community.
“Through revitalising dilapidated housing, upskilling the next generation and cracking down on crime, this town is finally getting the attention and investment it deserves to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Councillor Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council, said:
“This is a significant investment and fantastic news for Blyth. It means we can deliver better homes, improve neighbourhoods and reduce crime in partnership with Northumbria Police, local businesses and the community.
“Investment at the Energy Central Campus and additional support to connect NHS services and Job Centre support will help residents to secure jobs in the town’s clean energy industry.
“Today’s announcement boosts the multi-million-pound investment already planned through the council’s Energising Blyth Programme and Northumberland Line meaning we can now go further to realise Blyth’s huge potential at the heart of the Northumberland and the North East economy.”
Alan Ferguson OBE, Chair of Blyth Town Deal Board and Owner of Ferguson’s Transport, said:
“This is a real boost for Blyth helping us to deliver improvements that are much needed. The support will accelerate our work together to grow, renew and connect the town, crucially ensuring that local people are included in the opportunities in the town.
“It will galvanise partnership work between the business community, public sector and community partners to deliver real change on issues that are important to the community.
“Blyth is already a fantastic town in so many ways and this investment will make it even better as a place to live, work and invest.”