By John Baron
Communities including Armley and Farnley will be boosted by a multi-million fund over the next ten years, the government has announced today.
The Armley and New Wortley area is one of 146 across the UK which will be part of the Plan for Neighbourhoods fund, which the government hopes will pioneer a new way of deciding how to spend public money on local projects. It will receive £20 million over ten years.
Farnley will also receive £20 million over ten years.
The money can be spent on anything from local park improvements to fixing up empty
buildings and high streets – but it is up to the residents to decide what they want doing.
The fund relies on local residents coming together to submit ideas for how to spend the £20 million and a call has gone out for people to volunteer to sit on a local board that helps coordinate the project.
Leeds West and Pudsey MP, Rachel Reeves, who campaigned for the funding in Armley and New Wortley, said: “Getting an extra £2 million a year, for ten years, is a massive investment in Armley and New Wortley.
“For too long communities like ours were left behind, but this government is doing
things differently. We’re investing in the area and giving local people the power to choose
what this money is spent on – because they know the community best.”
Councillor Andy Parnham (Lab, Armley) welcomed the funding, labelling it ‘transformational’ for Armley and New Wortley.
Farnley funding
Farnley’s £20 million will see investment in an area which includes the Bawns, the Whincovers, the Butterbowls and the Heights in Armley.
Leeds South West and Morley MP Mark Sewards said in a statement: “Ever since my election I have been determined to make sure Farnley gets the investment it needs.
“I’m extremely pleased to be able to deliver this money for our community. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring lasting improvements, but the allocation of this investment must be determined by the people who live here.”
Cllr Adrian McCluskey (Lab, Farnley & Wortley) added: “We are absolutely delighted to see this investment being made in our community. We are very excited to work with local residents to identify their priorities on how it should be spent.”
And Cllr Kate Haigh (Lab, Farnley & Wortley) said: “This is an incredible opportunity for our community. Investment on this scale is unprecedented in Farnley and the small parts of Armley that fall within the designated area.
“It is going to make a huge difference to the lives of people I represent. Now that we have the money, let’s get on and spend it on the things that matter most to residents.”
People can take part in the Farnley survey here.
Neighbourhood boards
Each area receiving funding will be asked to set up a ‘Neighbourhood Board’ which reflects the community the fund is supposed to help.
The council and a representative from the local MP’s office will be on the board, but the chair should be an ‘independent person’.
The first tranche of cash from the Plan for Neighbourhoods fund was announced by government earlier this year.