Wells' levelling up dreams stalled by government silence

By Laura Linham

15th Sep 2023 | Local News

Artist's Impression Of Enhancements On High Street In Shepton Mallet. CREDIT: Mendip District Council.
Artist's Impression Of Enhancements On High Street In Shepton Mallet. CREDIT: Mendip District Council.

The future of community projects in Wells remains uncertain due to a lack of information about the next round of the levelling up fund.

Communities under-secretary Dehenna Davison MP stated in early June, "We are currently reflecting on the lessons learned from the first two rounds of the fund, and we will be making an announcement on round three shortly."

Previously, Somerset received funding from the first two rounds of the levelling up fund for projects like road improvements in Bridgwater and a new health and social care academy.

However, no details regarding the third round have been released, affecting projects that failed in previous bids, including those in Wells.

The joint bid by Mendip District Council and Sedgemoor District Council, aimed at public realm improvements and active travel schemes in Cheddar, Highbridge, and Shepton Mallet, was acknowledged by DLUHC as "relatively strong." Yet, the bid lacked "more consideration of any alternative options" and a "more coherent economic case," according to the department.

Somerset Council, which took over the roles of previous local authorities in April, has received no government guidance on when the third round of funding will open or the criteria for future bids.

"No information has been made available on when round three of the levelling up fund will open for bids, nor any criteria that would form the basis of the bid," confirmed a council spokesperson.

Wells MP James Heappey criticised the original proposals as "unimaginative," suggesting potential obstacles for resubmitting similar projects in the third round.

     

New wells Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: wells jobs

Share:

Related Articles

Wells also remains one of the pricier locations, with homes averaging £379,447.
Local News

Somerset’s most expensive places to buy a home revealed

 CRS is looking for a Labourer or Groundworker
Local News

Looking for work in Wells? From telecoms to care, here are this week’s top local job opportunities

Sign-Up for our FREE Newsletter

We want to provide wells with more and more clickbait-free local news.
To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following.
Help us survive and sign up to our FREE weekly newsletter.

Already subscribed? Thank you. Just press X or click here.
We won't pass your details on to anyone else.
By clicking the Subscribe button you agree to our Privacy Policy.