A MULTI-MILLION pound regeneration scheme which aims to build prosperous futures for some of the town’s poorest areas has been revealed for Barnsley.
A funding bid worth up to £25m for Goldthorpe, Bolton and Thurnscoe is being drawn up and the public’s views are being sought to help shape the bid for the area.
Last year, local community consultation was carried out in the Dearne to understand what residents loved about the area they lived, and also what they would like to see improved.
Since the consultation, the government launched the Towns Fund initiative, for which Goldthorpe and the surrounding villages are eligible to access the multi-million pound fund, which is worth £3.6bn across the country.
Coun Tim Cheetham, cabinet spokesman, said: “We know local people in the Dearne love their local area, but we know there are things they would like to change.
“The Towns Fund gives us an exciting opportunity. We want local people to help shape a new town investment plan so we can make the most of this opportunity to improve transport, create new jobs, improve skills and regenerate the local community.
“I’d encourage anyone who lives or works in the Dearne to get involved.”
To support the scheme, #MyTown was also launched in October 2019 to give residents the opportunity to put forward their ideas on how to improve skills and transport, create new jobs and regenerate their local community.
Barnsley Council and partners on the Goldthorpe Town Board now want to develop an investment plan that will address the concerns residents have raised, build on the issues that are important and see Goldthorpe and the Dearne become an area where more people choose to live.
A survey - available on the council’s website - launched last Friday to help gather the views of people who live and work in the area and runs until September 13.
The regeneration plan has been welcomed and comes after the areas were outlined as some of the worst-hit in Barnsley for levels of poverty, food bank reliance and crime.
Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry MP said: “The Prime Minister promised to level up 100 towns across the country and we’re delivering that promise.
“The best answers for local people will come from local people, that’s why we have listened to those living in these areas and will support them with a fund to drive jobs and economic growth.
“Five years on from the launch of the Northern Powerhouse, we are reaffirming our commitment to the people of the north so they have the support they need.
“Ensuring that prosperity and opportunities are available to everyone in this country, not just those in London or our biggest cities, is at the heart of the mission of this government.
“We will now work with local people from the 100 communities to agree proposals to invest up to £25m in each place.
“I hope these deals will provide the investment and the impetus for long-term renewal ensuring each area can look to the future with a new optimism.”
Visit https://surveys.barnsley.gov.uk/s/TownsFundGoldthorpe/ to have your say.
