Blazing a trail ... neighbourhood gets cash to develop

A STOCKPORT neighbourhood is one of two in Greater Manchester that have been named among the first in the UK to benefit from a boost of up to £20m.

- BY JOSEPH TIMAN

Unveiling her Spending Review, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced 'additional funding' to support up to 350 communities across the country. The Chancellor said that this unspecified sum will be used to improve parks, youth facilities, swimming pools and libraries.

The money, which will be spent in some of the UK’s most deprived areas, will also support the ‘fightback’ against graffiti and fly-tipping.

In documents published following her speech, the government has now revealed that two places in Greater Manchester are among 25 ‘trailblazer’ neighbourhoods that will each receive up to £20m over the next decade as part of the new fund Ms Reeves announced.

The two neighbourhoods in Greater Manchester that have been selected are Brinnington in Stockport and Pendleton in Salford.

According to government papers, they will be among the first of up to 350 places that are set to benefit, alongside the 75 towns previously named in the Plan for Neighbourhoods which include Ashton-under-Lyne, Chadderton, Farnworth, Heywood and Leigh.

Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “We welcome the announcement that Brinnington has been named one of the government's Trailblazer neighbourhoods, set to receive up to £20 million in long-term investment. This funding presents a significant opportunity to deliver meaningful improvements for local residents.

“From the government's commitment to extend Metrolink in Stockport, to the new railway station planned for Cheadle and the community hub underway in Marple, we're seeing real progress being made right across the borough.

“We look forward to seeing the full details from government and will work closely with local residents and partners to ensure this investment delivers real and lasting benefits for the Brinnington community.”

In her speech to MPs, Ms Reeves said: “I know the pride that people feel in their communities. I see it everywhere I go.