March 27th 2020
Durham council to bid for a share of the Stronger Town Fund
Bishop Auckland in Durham has placed a bid for £25m from the Government’s Stronger Town Fund.
The Stronger Towns Fund was created by the government in March 2019 to help towns across the UK to create new jobs, help train local people and boost economic activity.
A total of £1bn will be allocated using a needs-based formula. More than half this share (£583m) will go to towns across the North with a further £322m allocated to communities in the Midlands.
During a meeting that took place remotely on Wednesday (March 25), Durham County Council discussed the opportunities this funding presents, and the role its members will play over coming months and years.
Cllr Carl Marshall, the cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: ‘As the nation comes together to meet the challenge presented by the Coronavirus pandemic, we are working with regional partners and lobbying the Government to provide support to County Durham businesses and high streets.
David Land, chair of the Bishop Auckland Strong Town Board said: ‘It is also vital that we continue to pursue opportunities such as the Stronger Towns Fund to secure additional investment for towns like Bishop Auckland.
‘I am pleased the board meeting was able to take place and I look forward to working with our partners to develop a robust funding application.
‘It was good to bring all of the partners together to discuss how we can attract investment and provide the development Bishop Auckland needs.
‘Everyone was incredibly enthusiastic and there was a strong sense of purpose not only for submitting the bid and securing the opportunities this presents but for working together to support the town.’
Earlier this week (March 23) the National Lottery Community Fund announced the launch a £3.7m programme to support Welsh coastal towns.
Half of the funding will be for projects that focus on economic and social regeneration.
Organisations can apply for individual grants of between £50,000 and £300,000, for initiatives that focus on job creation, protection, and high street rejuvenation in coastal areas.
Photo Credit – Durham Council