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IN VIEW LEVEL PEGGING
Special report by Ged Henderson The proposed Eden North project
It was a very public show of unity that will be seen by many as a positive sign that Lancashire’s devolution journey is heading in the right direction.
The leaders of all 15 local authorities in the county came together to support all of the bids submitted to the government’s Levelling Up Fund.
In total 11 applications have been made for projects across Lancashire that have a combined value of almost half a billion pounds.
They include a £50m bid that would cover half of the projected £100m cost of building Eden Project North in Morecambe.
The bids are focused on three themes of transport, regeneration and culture. The council leaders have urged government to award them all, so they will make “a visible and positive difference” to areas in need of levelling up.
In a joint letter to government, Lancashire’s political leaders said that the proposals would not just benefit the individual council that submitted it but have the power to “radically redefine” all of the county’s prospects for the future.
In a statement the leaders described the move as “the latest stage in a level of political cooperation in the county that has never been seen before.” It comes ahead of the leaders unveiling a long-term plan for Lancashire.
County council leader Phillipa Williamson said: “We’re making the case to government that by taking a combined approach to these bids we can maximise their impact.
“Each of the bids has the power to transform local areas, but collectively they have the power to create a network of jobs, improvements and opportunities that will benefit everyone in Lancashire.
“In fact, as well as Lancashire County Council’s own £50m bid to develop public transport, walking and cycling projects in east Lancashire, I am so passionate about how we can all work together that the county council has also offered in-principle funding support to six of the district council bids to increase their chances of being successful.
It’s more important than ever that we as local authorities work together to get what’s best for our residents
“All of Lancashire’s leaders believe we can, should and must work together to ensure Lancashire, and everyone in it, can reach their full potential.”
Blackpool Council leader Lynn Williams, said: “Blackpool is hoping to be able to build on the £39.5m Town Deal funding we were awarded in March and will be submitting a second round Levelling Up Fund bid.
“The opportunities that can be gained from a bid for Blackpool will not only benefit the people of Blackpool and the Fylde Coast but will be felt across the whole of the county.
“These bids will be a key driver for economic growth, job creation and training for all those that live and work in Lancashire.”
Blackburn with Darwen’s leader Phil Riley took up that theme. He added: “Our bids have the potential to bring impressive change, unlocking significant opportunities that could be truly transformational for our borough and the whole of Lancashire.”
And speaking on behalf of Lancashire’s 12 district council leaders, Chorley’s Alistair Bradley said: “It’s more important than ever that we as local authorities work together to get what’s best for our residents.
“If the country is true about levelling up then we think it’s really important that the government listens to what those in Lancashire are telling them.
“If all the schemes can be delivered it will help transform Lancashire’s fortunes and give a better return rather than having a piecemeal approach to government funding across the county.”
The Levelling Up Fund is a £4.8bn fund aimed at infrastructure projects that have a visible impact on people and communities.
This is the second round of funding, after the first round saw £1.7bn awarded to 105 successful projects, including some in Lancashire.
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