Â£40m fund could assist resort growth

Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard has welcomed a fresh injection of money into the Coastal Communities Fund which could support regeneration projects in the resort.

Coastal Communities Minister Jake Berry (pictured) has announced a fifth round of funding for 2019 to 2021 will provide at least £40m to help coastal areas in England.

In April Blackpool received £2.9m from the current fund towards the cost of a £25m new conference centre at the Winter Gardens with work due to begin next month.

Mr Maynard said: “Blackpool has already benefited from the Government’s commitment to regenerating coastal communities.

“The most recent funding announcement of £2.9m towards the cost of a new conference and convention centre at the Winter Gardens is a clear indication of the Conservative Government’s support for Blackpool.

“The latest round of funding provides yet another opportunity for Blackpool to seek investment from the government and I look forward to seeing the ideas which are put forward to help create jobs and growth.”

Applications for a share in the latest round of funding open in early 2018.

The fund was launched in 2012.