Town gets £20m funding package for local projects

A £20m plan to regenerate a town in Nottinghamshire has been given the go-ahead by the government.

Westville in Hucknall is set to receive the funding over the next 10 years in the latest round of the government's Pride in Place initiative.

The scheme sees grants allocated for "locally-led solutions" in 280 neighbourhoods in England.

The plan aims to bring about community-focused improvements, including safer streets, refreshed public spaces and opportunities for young people, officials said.

This news follows Kirkby-in-Ashfield's allocation of £20m in 2024, and £1.5m for the district through the Pride in Place Impact Fund in 2025.

The money can be used for a wide range of projects and initiatives focused on areas such as high streets, housing, work, productivity and skills, unity, health and wellbeing, transport, safety and security, and education and opportunity.

Any of the projects must achieve one of the government's three aims: building stronger communities, creating thriving places, and helping communities to take back control of their own lives and areas.

Matthew Relf, from Ashfield District Council, said: "This funding announcement is excellent news for Hucknall and we will be working closely with the local MP to set up a neighbourhood board to oversee the development of a vision and investment plan for the area.

"Whilst we have only just received this news, we know that this funding is putting the decisions for investment priorities at the heart of the community and we are looking forward to seeing the future for this area of Hucknall."

Communities Secretary Steve Reed said: "Across the country, people step outside their front door and feel like there is nothing for them: no sense of belonging, no investment in their area, no feeling that anyone is listening.

"Pride in Place backs these people and puts the tools and the money directly in their hands to change that, because strong communities aren't built for people, they're built by them.

"These new neighbourhoods are joining a movement that is bringing people closer together, and this government is backing them to do it."

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