Lower Edmonton and Enfield Wash will benefit from a major investment from the government’s Pride in Place Programme, receiving up to £20m of support each over ten years, to improve town centres and public spaces and strengthen community pride. Funding will focus on three key goals: building stronger communities with a sense of belonging and safety; creating improved neighbourhoods with vibrant high streets and quality local parks; and empowering people to shape the future of their neighbourhood. Importantly, the funding will be led by Neighbourhood Boards, which will bring together residents, councillors, council officers, MPs, businesses and community organisations to shape the 10-year vision for these two areas. These boards will develop a regeneration plan which will set out priorities based on what communities would like the funding to be spent on. This will ensure that residents have a voice throughout the process. The leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Ergin Erbil, said: “We have achieved a huge amount in Enfield over the past few years including a reduction in crime, life-changing job opportunities for lcoal people and more. "This additional funding represents an incredible opportunity to invest more in our high streets and create better public spaces. I am also glad that residents’ voices will be at the centre of change for their communities, helping people feel proud and inspired.” The government Pride in Place funding is allocated using a formula that measures deprivation and community need, identifying areas nationally that require support. Cllr Erbil added: “Until recently, Enfield did not receive a fair share of government funding. More than half of our budget was cut by previous governments. We have had to fight hard for many years for better funding. I am pleased to see that we are now being supported properly and fairly, and this funding will contribute to us improving Enfield, making the streets safer and cleaner, supporting high streets and creating thriving neighbourhoods. I can’t wait to see the continued transformation of Lower Edmonton and Enfield Wash.” Today’s announcement already builds on £1.5m awarded to Enfield from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government last year, through the Pride in Place Impact fund. The aim of this funding was to improve shared spaces and support community-led projects that inspire civic pride. As part of this, £400,000 has been given to 25 organisations for projects in community centres, parks, schools and more. Further information on the Pride in Place programme will be announced in due course. To keep up-to-date with the latest news, sign up to Enfield Council’s digital newsletters. |