Bridgwater, the only town in the Somerset Council area selected for phase two of the government’s Pride in Place programme, has secured £20 million to invest in revitalizing its most deprived neighborhoods over the next decade. This funding is part of a national effort targeting 169 UK neighborhoods to build strong, resilient, and integrated communities.
The investment aims to support projects that improve social mobility, enhance access to local services, and foster a vibrant community spirit—initiatives that are developed with the input and backing of local residents.
Selection for the funding was based on key indicators such as the government’s Index of Multiple Deprivation—which evaluates factors like unemployment and crime rates—and the Community Needs Index, which assesses access to services, community infrastructure, and civic participation. Bridgwater South, encompassing parts of the Hamp area, was the sole neighborhood in Somerset to be chosen.
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Sir Ashley Fox, Conservative MP for Bridgwater, expressed his support for the funding, describing it as “good news for Bridgwater.” He highlighted the town’s previous investments, including £45 million from the Town Deal and Levelling Up programmes, and emphasized that this additional £20 million will help further advance regeneration efforts. However, he voiced disappointment that nearby Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge were not included, despite significant community needs there.
Councillor Leigh Redman, leader of the Labour opposition on Somerset Council, encouraged local residents to engage actively in deciding how the funding is allocated. Representing the Bridgwater North and Central division, Redman sees this as an opportunity for residents to influence the future development of their town, emphasizing Bridgwater’s potential for improvement.
Despite this positive development, Bridgwater’s regeneration projects have faced delays, such as the prolonged construction of the Celebration Mile roadworks and the postponement of Northgate Docks improvements to 2026. Somerset Council has yet to detail the timeline for spending the new funds or the decision-making process for project selection.
Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning, and assets, welcomed the investment and expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). He underscored the significance of this funding to support Bridgwater’s ongoing revitalization and enhance the town’s future prospects.