Meon Valley MP Flick Drummond has vowed to bid for money from the government’s new £4 billion levelling up fund to redevelop Waterlooville town centre.
Flick has been pushing for improvements to the area since she was elected and has already met with Havant Borough Council and architects to look at initial ideas.
But development money to work up more detailed plans have so far been elusive due to the pandemic.
Flick will now contact ministers to make sure she puts in the bid as soon as possible after working in partnership with local stakeholders following the announcement of the fund by the Chancellor today.
“I am very pleased this has been announced because what is needed in Waterlooville is exactly what the Chancellor said when he described the fund as building ‘the infrastructure of everyday life’.
“Local people have made clear to me they want better facilities in Waterlooville, which is tired and in need of an overhaul.
“This fund is about those facilities like transport improvements, better shopping streets and improved service like libraries and GP surgeries, and I will be working in partnership with the council, local groups and the Solent LEP to make this the best bid it can be.”
Flick also praised the government for investment to preserve jobs, money for infrastructure and for targeting public sector pay increases to those most in need and on the health frontline.
“There was a great deal in the Chancellor’s spending review today but it’s clear the government has a detailed plan to spend wisely in the areas that need it.
“I am particularly pleased to see £15 billion to be spent in research and development, more money for schools and more money for further education and job opportunities for young people.”
