This funding is made in the hopes of improving the town’s housing, health, employment, and ability to respond to anti-social behaviour. Once a coal-exporting town, Blyth is now transitioning into a leading port of clean energy. Thousands of new jobs are expected to be produced, and the hope is that this funding from the Department for Levelling up Houses and Communities (DLUHC) will help prepare the town for this future.
DLUHC secretary of state, Micheal Gove, has said “for too long, Blyth has been deprived of the opportunities to make the most of its startling potential”
Councillor Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council is pleased with the governments decision and said the the fund “means we can deliver better homes, improve neighbourhoods and reduce crime in partnership with Northumbria Police, local businesses and the community”.
“For too long, Blyth has been deprived of the opportunities to make the most of its startling potential”
The funding package is set to spend £18m in repurposing empty and rundown homes; £1.5m on new high-tech training equipment at the town’s Energy Central Campus; £200,000 on an initiative to reduce crime in Blyth. Alongside this, government has also promised to strengthen the local partnerships between Jobcentre Plus and NHS services in Blyth, supporting more disabled people and those with health conditions to find and succeed in work.
This package holds much potential for Blyth, paving the way towards a better future.
