Long Eaton residents are being urged to step up and take part in a landmark four-week public consultation that will help shape the next chapter in the town’s rich history.
The survey is seen as one of the most important in the regeneration and development of Long Eaton as the town prepares its bid for up to £25m of funding as part of the government’s Town Deal initiative.
The bid is being led by the Long Eaton Town Deal Board, which confirmed this week that the views of local residents are ‘absolutely vital’ if the town is to seize one of the biggest opportunities in a lifetime.
Over the next four weeks, residents have the chance to give their views on specific proposals which have been developed following comments received in a first consultation earlier this year. Suggested projects include possible changes to the design of the High Street, improvements to the town centre junctions (The Green and the Asda/Tesco roundabout), a new canal bridge from West Park directly onto the towpath and a range of new cultural ideas.
Richard Ledger, Chair of the Long Eaton Town Deal Board, said it is now up to local residents of all ages to take part and get behind a bid that will be innovative and help shape the town’s future for generations to come. He said: “To be chosen as one of the towns in line for funding is an incredible achievement and I’d like to thank all those who gave their views in the first public consultation back in the summer. We listened to your views, your ideas and now we have this second, much more detailed consultation, which is just as important – if not more so. Once again we urge you to take the time to tell us your thoughts and be a part of this unique opportunity.”
His comments were backed by Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council and Vice-Chair of the Long Eaton Town Deal Board. She said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the residents of Long Eaton and it is important that everyone who is able does have their say in the consultation. Your opinions about the future of our thriving town are crucial in deciding what projects will go ahead and help transform Long Eaton for years to come. It’s only by working together that we can achieve the best, so please take part.”
Erewash MP Maggie Throup, who is also a Board member, added: “I absolutely share the rallying call to Long Eaton residents – this is your chance to help the Board win the best financial deal possible from this excellent government scheme. This is such an important opportunity for the town and I am proud to serve on the Board and will do everything I can to achieve success.”
The views of local people are a vital element in putting together the Town Investment Plan bid which has to be submitted in January 2021.
The Town Board will be able to put forward project proposals totalling up to £25 million as part of its Investment Plan. The exact amount offered, however, will depend on the total of all the projects that are assessed by the government as viable.
To take part in the consultation visit www.erewash.gov.uk/haveyoursay or request a printed copy to be mailed out to you by calling 0115 907 2244.