News / hartcliffe
Hartcliffe could receive £20m after being designated as new ‘trailblazer neighbourhood’
Hartcliffe could receive up to £20m of government funding over the next decade after being named as one of 25 new ‘trailblazer neighbourhoods’ across the UK.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed the investment as part of a new national fund for communities.
The news has been welcomed by Hartcliffe’s Labour councillors, who said that for too long, people in the south Bristol area have felt “left behind and forgotten by those in power”.
A government policy paper says the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government “will work with partners from across the sector to help crowd in investment and provide a direct link to Whitehall – making sure that places that have been too easily left behind are no longer ignored”.
“This investment will support communities to drive forward the changes they want to see in their neighbourhoods.
“It will support improvements people can see on their doorstep, champion local leadership, foster community engagement and strengthen social cohesion.”
Willow House on Bishport Avenue is a familiar sight on the Hartcliffe skyline – photo: Cerys Larsen
In a joint statement, Hartcliffe & Withywood councillors Kerry Bailes, Paul Goggin and Kirsty Tait said: “For far too long, the people of Hartcliffe have felt left behind and forgotten by those in power. Labour is determined to change that.
“The government’s Spending Review has allocated up to £20m of long-term investment to Hartcliffe to bring about the change that local people want to see.
“This just goes to show the difference a Labour government can make.
“After 14 long years of austerity and decline under the Tories, this investment is long overdue and sorely needed.
“We’re looking forward to hearing more about this scheme and working with local people to co-design the solutions our community so desperately needs.”
Hartcliffe and Bishopsworth’s Labour councillors, from left to right: Kirsty Tait, Susan Kollar, Kerry Bailes and Paul Goggin – photo: Labour Party
Bristol City Council leader Tony Dyer, who grew up in Hartcliffe, added: “I was personally delighted to see Hartcliffe singled out for investment and can talk from personal experience how needed this is for this community to thrive.
“Whilst we welcome (the) announcements and recognise the challenging balancing act the chancellor must manage, we will continue to bang the drum for Bristol and the region in wanting to see more funding in future, for our council and others in the west.”
Main photo: Cerys Larsen
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