Multi-million pound projects approved for two towns

Projects worth more than £3m have been approved for Tadcaster and Bridlington.

The investment has been signed off by the Infrastructure and Joint Assets Board of York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Enterprise Partnership (YNYER).

This money is in addition to almost £17m worth of Local Growth Funding that the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has agreed over the last six months, to develop schemes across its own area.

The Environment Agency (EA) have applied for £1.022m of Local Growth Funding from the YNYER LEP to develop plans for a new, improved flood alleviation scheme for Tadcaster.

The plans will improve business and investor confidence in the Tadcaster area, following the heavy flooding suffered in December 2015 which affected residents and businesses.

The flooding led to the collapse of Tadcaster Bridge which was restored and re-opened in February 2017, through a £1.4m funding contribution from YNYER LEP Growth Fund.

Victoria Townend, of the Environment Agency, said: “This funding from the LEP’s Local Growth Fund is great news for Tadcaster’s residents and businesses.

“The Government’s funding formula for flood defence schemes focuses on protecting people and their homes. At present this flood grant cannot fund a scheme for Tadcaster alone.

“The LEP’s Local Growth Fund will allow the project to progress and attract other sources of funding and contributions.

“The business community was badly affected by the Boxing Day 2015 floods and the disruption it caused. We hope we can work with the town to decide the best option for them and to secure the further funding needed to improve their flood protection.”

The second approved project is Bridlington Town Centre Seafront Improvements, led by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, with a £2m investment from Local Growth Fund.

The project will see investment in improvements to revitalise the town centre/seafront area between East Riding Leisure Bridlington and the harbour. It is intended that this will strengthen Bridlington’s competitiveness, enhance the visitor experience and attract further inward investment to the town.

Councillor Richard Burton, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This funding from the LEP’s Local Growth Fund will help us transform this area of Bridlington’s seafront into an exciting public space for residents and visitors.

“When complete in 2020 the scheme will form the next stage in Bridlington’s ongoing regeneration, following the town’s major infrastructure improvements and the creation of the Gypsey Race Park.”

Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Jake Berry MP, said: “This Government is committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the Northern Powerhouse and building an economy fit for the future.

“I am delighted that over £3m from the Local Growth Fund makes possible new and improved flood defences to protect businesses in Tadcaster and investment into the seafront at Bridlington.

“Not only will these projects have significant positive impacts on businesses and communities, but they will support the local economy for years to come by encouraging future business investment and driving tourism to the area.”

Infrastructure Board Chairman David Dickson said: “These latest investment decisions represent this LEP’s genuine commitment to our ‘distinctive places’, and in particular, our drive to breathe life into our towns in order that they become and remain places that people want to live in, locate their businesses and visit.

“Working closely with public bodies and local developers, improving our towns provides tangible benefits for our residents, communities, visitors and businesses.”

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