Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, today asked Treasury Minister Robert Jenrick to confirm that the Government is considering providing “desperately needed investment” for seaside towns.
Speaking during Treasury Questions on infrastructure investment for small and medium cities, Drax said, “Cities are important, but so too are seaside towns such as Weymouth. We desperately need investment in those places.”
“Having met a Minister from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government recently, I understand that Government are looking at initiatives for towns and seaside towns. Can the Minister confirm that that is true? If so, what money will be available?”
Saying that Drax had raised an “important point,” the Minister replied “The Government’s strategy is not limited to cities. The Transforming Cities programme is for our smaller and larger cities, but we are also interested in coastal towns and communities. I recently met a number of parliamentary colleagues representing those communities, and I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to talk about how the Treasury will be working with CLG.”
I will be delighted to meet the minister, says Drax. “Having already met the Communities and Local Government minister with Matt Prosser, Chief Executive of the combined council and Jeff Cant, leader of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, we are all keen to know what help may be available for Weymouth.”
“It is good news that the Treasury’s infrastructure strategy will encompass seaside towns and communities. So often, we are neglected when it comes to funding. Weymouth needs and deserves a boost and I am determined to secure one.”