Greenock's MP hails news £20m for town could be released in the next few weeks
The UK Government confirmed on Tuesday that the funding – part of £200m coming to towns across Scotland, and of £1.5bn being allocated to towns around the UK – will be released from April, with 'delivery investment' starting next year.
The town was originally promised the cash by the previous Conservative administration as part of its Long Term Plan for Towns fund.
The pledge was upheld by Labour in its first Budget at the end of October, though the programme has now been renamed Plan for Neighbourhoods.
Martin McCluskey MP said: 'I'm thrilled that up to £20 million has been earmarked for Greenock, bringing the benefits of the Labour Government's Plan for Change to our local area and unleashing the enormous potential we have locally.
READ MORE: £20m regeneration cash for Greenock to be released in weeks
"Today's announcement means more control in the hands of local people, and less micro-management from central government.
'This is the difference that Labour in government makes, and I look forward to supporting the work of the Neighbourhood Board as we deliver for residents.'
The other Scottish areas receiving investment are Arbroath, Elgin, the Orkney Islands, Peterhead, Dumfries, Irvine, Kilmarnock, Clydebank and Coatbridge.
The cash for Greenock was originally promised by the previous Conservative government, with Labour renewing the pledge in its first Budget at the end of October. (Image: George Munro) 'Neighbourhood boards' will be set up to bring together residents and businesses from each area and decide how the money should be spent.
The boards can choose from options ranging from repairs to pavements and high streets, to setting up low-cost community grocers providing low-cost alternatives when shopping for essentials, as well as co-operatives or even neighbourhood watches.
The £20m coming Greenock's way is separate from another funds boost of more than £20m in 'Levelling Up' money which has been set aside to cover the cost of demolishing sections of the Oak Mall shopping centre and removing the Bullring roundabout and the nearby flyover.
Martin McCluskey MP says confirmation of the funding is great news for Greenock. (Image: Newsquest)
Inverclyde Council said last year that that work was due to begin in early 2025.
Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said: 'The UK Government is getting on with delivering our Plan for Change with investment and reform to turbocharge growth and put more money in people's pockets – and our Plan for Neighbourhoods is a crucial part of that.
'With this £200 million investment into 10 of Scotland's towns, local communities will be at the beating heart of helping us to deliver a decade of national renewal and opportunity for all across Scotland.'
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