Just over a year ago, I held a debate in Parliament to explain to Ministers why it’s so important Weston isn’t overlooked for Government grants to promote Levelling-Up.
The problem is that Weston is geographically part of North Somerset which, on average, counts as an affluent area. And that means we might count as too well-off to qualify for help.
But any maths student will tell you that averages can be deceptive. Parts of Weston are amongst the most deprived in the country.
Just because we have some well-off neighbours down the road doesn’t mean we should forget about families that are struggling to make ends meet. That’s the whole point of Levelling-Up after all!
During the debate, I explained why any Government cash for Weston would be well spent. It would help renew and repair local historic buildings so they’re part of our town’s future, not just its past. Or it would deliver events and activities to make Weston into a year-round destination rather than mainly a summer place.
So I was delighted when, over the last several months, we’ve had a steady stream of good news to show that Ministers listened.
We’ve been handed tens of millions to begin building back Weston’s public transport services, tens of millions to improve the town and save heritage assets, around six million to deliver a new high-tech manufacturing college, and hundreds of thousands of pounds to intervene and help people before they become homeless (and support those who are already on the streets get their lives back on track).
It’s been a team effort with Ministers and the local Council, and it paid off. Better still, it ought to mean Weston will be living up to its motto for years to come: Ever Forward!