Grants of £20m will make 'huge difference' - MP

Wakefield and Rothwell MP Simon Lightwood says local people must decide how the money is spent

Two areas in Wakefield are to each receive up to £20m to improve their communities over the next decade.

Lupset and Featherstone will each receive an annual grant of £2m for 10 years as part of the government's Pride in Place programme.

Simon Lightwood, MP for Wakefield and Rothwell, said the money was a "significant investment" and would make a "huge difference".

The money will be distributed to Wakefield Council and an independent board made up of local politicians and community leaders would determine how the funding is spent.

It is part of a national £5bn investment for 339 "overlooked" communities to improve high streets, parks and public spaces, the government said.

Lightwood, whose constituency includes Lupset, said: "This £20m will have a huge impact for residents over the next decade and I will make sure it is spent where local people need it most."

The Labour MP said he had "fought" for the funding, but decisions about how it would be spent "must come from the people who live here".

Wakefield Council leader Denise Jeffery told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "Great neighbourhoods and vibrant high streets are at the heart of any strong community.

"We really welcome the government's long-term investment which has been announced in our district."

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