Member Article

Whitley Bay to benefit from ‘Big Local’ scheme

Whitley Bay has been chosen as one of the 50 areas across the UK to benefit from the ‘Big Local’ scheme.

The project will enable local people to build on their own skills to make their areas better communities to live in.

The area is now set to receive financial investment and support from an independent charitable organisation, which aims to encourage local residents to come together to prevent the decline of their town.

The activity will compliment the physical regeneration of the town which is currently being progressed by North Tyneside Council and its partners.

Commenting on the announcement, North Tyneside’s elected mayor, Mrs Linda Arkley said: “I’m delighted that Whitley Bay has been chosen to get involved in this programme and I have every confidence that the local community will embrace the opportunity.”

“We know that successful communities depend on much more than physical improvements.

“They need to have local people taking ownership driving the success of their communities forward, tackling local issues together.”

The project will continue for the next 10 years, and it is hoped that it will contribute to the regeneration of the former traditional seaside town, including improvements to the sea front and a new future for the Spanish City Dome.

While the town presents the overall appearance of prosperity, there are still parts which are amongst the 10% most deprived areas of the UK. It is hoped that some of the funds will go towards targeting these areas. The problem of anti-social behaviour in the town centre will also be addressed.

Improvements will take place from the sea-front to the east, Metro line to the west, Park Road/Marine Park First School to the north and the Egremont Place/Victoria Avenue to the south.

Development funding worth up to £30,000 will also be available to plan and establish local partnerships.

Through the staged process, each local area will be given the opportunity to explore visions for the future of the area through community involvement, the creation of a local partnership to deliver Big Local in the area and the development of a plan to achieve the community vision.

Lisa Gardiner, Chief Executive of local charity North Tyneside VODA, said: “Big Local funding helps local people to make their communities better places to live.

“Through the programme the community of Whitley Bay will be able to identify the priorities that matter to them and take action to change things for the better.

“I am thrilled that this opportunity has arisen, and look forward to working with the North Tyneside Strategic Partnership and local community groups to ensure it has very positive outcomes for Whitley Bay.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .