Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed visited Park Lane Community Centre in South Telford today (Thursday 25 September) as a part of a major Government funding announcement for the area.
Telford was proudly chosen as the launch site for the Government’s national Pride in Place Programme, unlocking a £20 million investment for residents in Woodside, Sutton Hill, and Brookside. This funding includes £20 million secured through lobbying efforts of Shaun Davies MP, who successfully engaged directly with ministers, the Treasury, and the Department for Communities. In addition, Telford & Wrekin Council has committed a further £10 million following direct discussions between Shaun Davies and Council Leader Cllr Lee Carter.
Together, this £30 million package will be invested over the next ten years, delivering £3 million each year to support, local jobs and careers, safer, cleaner neighbourhoods, upgraded community facilities and improved housing and public spaces. The money will also be used to match fund further external funding and secure extra resources from public sector partners.
Why South Telford? ‘Pride in Place’ Programme is a new government programme providing long-term funding to communities across the country that have been historically underinvested in. It aims to rebuild pride in place, support local priorities, and create stronger, more resilient neighbourhoods. The project will also help future government spending in more communities here in Telford and across England.
South Telford’s inclusion in this national scheme follows a strong campaign led by Shaun Davies MP who has engaged this summer with thousands of South Telford residents through online surveys, public meetings and engagement with school children.
Photographed from L-R: Councillor for Woodside Kelly Middleton and Cllr Helena Morgan, Shaun Davies MP, Janet Smith Director at Park Lane and Jacqui Idiens, Park Lane Centre Manager.
Shaun said: “This summer I promised residents I would fight for investment and I’m proud to have delivered this. By working together with Telford & Wrekin Council, we’ve not only secured government funding but also committed local investment to make this go even further. This funding will change lives over the next decade, and I’ll make sure it is spent where local people need it most.”
Next an independent local board will be made up of the MP, local councillors and community leaders will oversee how funding is allocated. But the most important voice is those who live and work in South Telford.
Shaun added: “I fought to secure this investment but the decisions about how it’s used must come from the people who live here. Whether it’s improving parks, tackling anti-social behaviour or creating new spaces for the community – your views matter.”
Cllr Lee Carter, Leader of the Council said: “We’re proud to be making a further £10 million local investment alongside this national funding, which itself is very welcome. From South Telford to Station Quarter, the new swimming pool in Dawley to the 3G pitches in Newdale, the New Gower in St Georges to the new theatre in Oakengates — this Council is working in partnership with the government and the MP for Telford to secure hundreds of millions of pounds in investment. Together, we’re delivering improvements that are helping to create a better Telford for everyone.”
Funding will be distributed to Telford & Wrekin Council and shaped by local priorities through consultation and engagement. The council and MP are inviting all residents to take part in the community survey and get involved.
Together, we’re building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant South Telford – led by the people who live here.
