Northumberland council announces £445k funding boost for Blyth town improvements

A North East council has announced that it has agreed a funding boost for expanded improvements to a Northumberland town centre.

Northumberland County Council has confirmed that it is providing £445k of extra funding for street improvements in Blyth.

The additional funding comes following initial contributions of nearly £115k, with works now set to begin in January 2021.

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “It’s great news we are able to expand the scheme to create further improvements in this key area of the town centre.

“This is the first step in delivering the Energising Blyth vision to renew and reshape the town centre, support new investment in the offshore wind and energy industry on the Quayside and improve connectivity including the reopening of the Newcastle to Northumberland line.”

Kath Nisbet, Croft county councillor said: “I’m pleased that this extra funding has been approved for the town centre.

“It’s a popular area with shoppers but is in need of some regeneration and I’m looking forward to this work starting.”

Warren Taylor, mayor of Blyth Town Council, added: “Blyth Town Council is delighted that the proposed Northern Gateway scheme for Blyth is to receive additional funding from our colleagues in Northumberland County Council, making it a bigger, better, more encompassing project for people in our town.

“Expanding the former Bowes Street scheme, initiated by the Town Council, to include Church Street and Wanley Street, is most welcome.

“This will now form part of this much larger Town Deal initiative connecting to the anticipated Future High Street Fund projects in the town centre.”

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