Ashton-in-Makerfield will receive a huge cash boost after it was announced in the Spring Budget that the town has been awarded £6.6 million in funding.
The #OurFutureAshton plan was one of 16 areas unveiled after missing out in the latest round for the national Levelling Up Fund - but council bosses had pledged to resubmit. Wigan did have one successful bid of £20 million for the restoration of Haigh Hall in the last round, but like Ashton, Leigh did not get the £11.4 million it wanted to spruce up the town centre.
Proposals for Ashton include improved shop fronts, upgraded streets and public spaces, new walking and cycling routes and a refresh for the town’s market square.
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This would include the introduction of greenery and lights along Garswood Street and Gerard Street. Other improvements include infrastructure upgrades to Old Road and Wigan Road which aim to reduce traffic movements in the residential area through a series of active neighbourhood measures, crossing facility upgrades and connection improvements.
Coun Danny Fletcher, who represents Ashton, said: “I am extremely pleased to hear the news that Ashton's levelling up bid has been approved by the government. Although without constant pressure from me, Wigan council and MP Yvonne Fovargue, this outcome would likely have not been possible.
“Ashton in Makerfield will now receive nearly £7m in funding to improve the town centre, funding which has been long overdue. Our town will continue to punch above its weight and work towards being the most prosperous and vibrant town centre in the area.
“Now we need to get to work to implement the proposed improvements, and as a lifelong Ashton resident and councillor, I’m excited with what the future holds.”
Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux MBE, said: “We were disappointed we were unsuccessful in our LUF bid for this project as we believed the application was strong, exciting and achievable, which prompted our pledge to submit a further bid. Although our concerns about the levelling-up agenda remain, we welcome this funding announcement that will help us move forward with our plans.”
The 16 regeneration projects totalling over £200m unveiled by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt were ‘assessed as high quality… that are under £10m to ensure quick delivery’.
Aidan Thatcher, director of growth and economy at Wigan Council, said: “The plans are centred on the heart of the town centre, including the historic market site, Garswood Street and Gerard Street, and celebrate the town’s cultural heritage. We have had very positive contributions from stakeholders such as the local business community, residents during the public consultation, and the LUF bid had the support of the MP for Makerfield, Yvonne Fovargue.
“We will look forward to progressing through the action plan now this funding is in place.”
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