Jane Stevenson, MP for Wolverhampton North East, has successfully bid for funding to improve Wednesfield High Street and market as part of the Government’s Towns Fund scheme.
Last week Jane, along with Wolverhampton’s two other MPs and business leaders from the city, agreed a £49 million city-wide bid that has been submitted to Government for approval.
The bid includes up to £4 million for capital projects to improve Wednesfield High Street and the surrounding areas. Among the potential works that could be carried out using this Government funding are:
- A covering outside shop fronts along the High Street to protect shoppers from inclement weather
- Upgrading of infrastructure such as street lighting, bins and CCTV cameras
- Re-utilising a vacant Wolverhampton Homes unit as a community centre
- Improvements to canal towpaths for walking and cycling
The Towns Fund was announced by Government in September last year, with 100 places invited to submit proposals as part of a £3.6 billion scheme. Originally the Wednesfield and Bilston areas were not included in Wolverhampton’s bid area, but Jane lobbied ministers to get those parts of the city included.
Last month, the Prime Minister announced that all places in the Towns Fund scheme would receive up to £1 million this year to be spent immediately on projects to improve parks, high streets and transport.
Jane said: “I am absolutely delighted that, after fighting for Wednesfield to be included in the Government’s Towns Fund, I have been able to agree a funding bid that will see real and positive improvements to Wednesfield High Street.
“Our local shops and markets have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, and now is the time for everyone to support the local economy. By making improvements to the High Street, such as a covered walkway to protect shoppers from bad weather and better street lighting, more people from Wednesfield and further afield will want to come and shop locally.
“The Prime Minister has made a commitment to level up all parts of the country, including Wolverhampton, and I know this investment in our city is just the beginning.”
ENDS
