It was announced by central government last night that North Tyneside Council's Levelling Up Fund bids were rejected. Here is a response from Cllr Carl Johnson, North Tyneside’s Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Regeneration.
Cllr Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor of North Tyneside and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “We are obviously very disappointed with the Government’s response to North Tyneside Council’s Levelling Up Fund bids as we feel there are strong cases for investment in Wallsend and North Shields Fish Quay, which would have supported some of our most deprived communities.
“Without securing this funding the North Shields Ferry’s future is in jeopardy. Due to the rapid decline of the ferry landing, we need to secure funding by 2025 to avoid losing this vital link between North Shields and South Shields.
“Regardless of this outcome, we will be exploring other funding opportunities in partnership with Nexus.
“For Wallsend, we are still committed to delivering on our ambitions; creating a town that our residents and business can be proud to call home, and that visitors from all over want to come and enjoy.
“We know what a positive difference our investment has made in other parts of the borough, and how much the regeneration of Wallsend means to our local residents and businesses – so we will continue to explore avenues to secure the funding we need to make these plans a reality. A bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund will be submitted in February to support our proposals for Segedunum and how we can maximise its potential as a visitor attraction.
“Almost £2m of grant funding has already been secured from the North of Tyne Combined Authority’s Town and High Streets Innovation Programme to help us fund events, support for businesses, shop front grants and improved walking and cycling routes in Wallsend.
“This will not affect our public consultation that started today (January 19), and we still look forward to hearing the views of our residents, businesses and community groups as we shape these plans.
“I have called for an emergency motion to be tabled at Full Council tonight which will urge central government to review the decision to not award the funding to North Shields and Wallsend.”