Latest Town Deal survey shows community support for projects

A SURVEY has revealed community support for the Millom and Haverigg Town Deal  projects designed to boost levels of health, opportunity and prosperity with a lasting legacy of real change for the community.

The Millom Town Deal Board secured £20.6 million from the Government’s Towns Fund in November 2022, attracting a further £8.7 million in match funding.

The money will be used to deliver four projects selected to meet local need as well as the strict criteria set by the Government.

Now, the results of a recent survey have shown community support for the projects. They will also be used to help inform the teams working on the schemes as they move towards delivery.

Respondents were asked to rate their level of support for the four Town Deal projects. 

Strongly support and support were the most popular answers selected in relation to each project.

The results revealed that 91.07% of people who took part in the survey live in Millom or Haverigg with other respondents working in the area or visiting for leisure purposes.

David Savage, Chair of the Millom Town Deal Board, said: “The Town Deal drop-in events held in Millom and Haverigg in June saw a terrific turnout so we know people are interested in the projects and how this programme can bring new opportunities to the town. 

“It’s great to have these survey results. My thanks go to everyone who has taken part. We value all of the information shared with us as we move forwards in the process.”

Millom Town Deal Board, which includes representatives from all aspects of the community, is working alongside the newly formed Cumberland Council whose focus is to ensure the projects are completed before March 2026.

The four projects are:

The Iron Line – a scheme to sensitively transform RSPB Hodbarrow into an inspirational and fully inclusive visitor attraction featuring new walking and cycling routes, a visitor centre with cafe/bar, events room and parking for around 80 vehicles.

Activating Community Health – The creation of a new, multi-purpose leisure hub on land at Millom School to provide a range of facilities including a community swimming pool and 3G pitch.

Reactivating Heritage Buildings – A project to significantly enhance Millom Town Centre to increase vitality and footfall by bringing derelict, vacant and underused heritage buildings back into active use, including the former Natwest Bank building in St George’s Road.

Connecting Millom and Haverigg – Improving Millom’s transport network to create a gateway to the town at the railway station, while improving ways to move around both Millom and Haverigg on foot or by bicycle.

Councillor Mark Fryer, the Leader of Cumberland Council, said: “My own thanks go to everyone who has taken the time to attend the drop-in events or fill in the survey. 

“It is great to see so many people engaging with the process and sharing their views on the projects as they move forward.”

For more details about Millom Town Deal, please visit millomtowndeal.org.uk

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Towns Fund – Town Deals 

On 27 July 2019, the Prime Minister announced that the Towns Fund would support an initial 101 places across England to develop Town Deal proposals, to drive economic regeneration and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. See further details of the announcement. 

A Town Deal is an agreement in principle between government, the Lead Council and the Town Deal Board. It will set out a vision and strategy for the town, and what each party agrees to do to achieve this vision. 

See the 101 places being supported to develop Town Deals. 

Each of the 101 towns selected to work towards a Town Deal also received accelerated funding last year for investment in capital projects that would have an immediate impact and help places “build back better” in the wake of Covid-19. View a list of accelerated funding by place (PDF, 266 KB, 11 pages). 

Cumberland Council is a unitary council in Cumbria. 

On 1 April 2023 we took over the responsibility for all council services previously provided by Allerdale Borough Council, Carlisle City Council, Copeland Borough Council and Cumbria County Council. 

The new council was formed in April 2023, and it aims to be ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. Its Cumberland Plan sets out its vision and values.

The Cumberland area welcomes ambition and sustainable growth.

It is a globally recognised place of innovation and opportunity. 

Its city of Carlisle and its towns of Cleator Moor, Maryport, Millom and Workington have collectively attracted millions of pounds of government funding for schemes that will provide long lasting benefits for businesses and residents.

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