Maggie stays positive despite Ilkeston levelling up setback

Erewash MP Maggie Throup has responded to the news that The Secretary of State for Levelling UP, Housing and Communities has rejected Erewash Borough Council's most recent bid for £20m of new funding for the town.

The news comes as planning and activity continues in the south of the borough as a team continues to work with funding to improve Long Eaton.

Ms Throup said: “The Government can never claim to have truly succeeded in its mission to level-up the Midlands and the North if it fails to invest in towns like Ilkeston” 

Since the Borough Council submitted its proposals to the Government back in July 2022, Maggie has been lobbying Ministers and although disappointed with the decision, she has vowed to “fight on” to secure funding in future rounds. 

Maggie went on to say: “Recently, we have been hugely successful in securing significant financial investment from Government, including £6.6 million to reopen a railway station at Ilkeston in 2017, £24.8 million for Long Eaton through the Towns Fund and £2.7 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

“Regrettably, in what was a strongly contested competition, it is clear from the official feedback I have received, that Erewash’s bid lacked detail and ambition when compared to other, ultimately successful bids.

“However, we fight on, and I am determined to ensure that this setback does not detract from our overall goal of securing lasting improvements for Ilkeston and the people who live and work here.

“I want to assure residents that I will continue to support Erewash Brough Council in any way that I can so that together we can produce an aspirational new bid for our town that is ready to go as soon as future funding rounds are announced by the Government.”

The bid, which was approved by the borough council executive in early July 2022, had been submitted to fund three projects to help regenerate Ilkeston Town Centre using the results of a seven week public consultation which produced clear results that helped shape the ambitious bid, with residents particularly highlighting a desire for a better range and quality of shops, including restaurants and services for children, and action over vacant properties.

Plans had included the following proposals:

• The purchase and refurbishment of the derelict Grade II listed Ritz building with a view to letting it out as a possible food court, market hall or entertainment venue.
• Tackling the long term empty shops on Bath Street where there are currently 10 properties that have been vacant from 4 up to 23 years. The proposal was to support whole building refurbishment by offering to buy the leasehold of refurbished commercial units in these buildings or, failing that, to acquire the buildings and appoint a development partner to carry out the refurbishment.
• A third project aimed to raise the overall quality and attractiveness of the area to attract further private sector investment and boost the welcoming vibe for residents. Suggestions included more greenery, new gateway features to the main shopping streets and innovative new lighting schemes for the Market Place.

The future of these locations has now been thrown into doubt.