£20m boost for most deprived communities

Foxhole is among the areas receiving money

Two of Paignton's most disadvantaged areas are set to benefit from a £20m government investment aimed at revitalising local communities, it has been announced.

The funding, part of the national Pride in Place programme, will be distributed over the next 10 years to support improvements to high streets, parks, and public spaces, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Paignton has joined 170 communities across the UK selected for the latest round of funding.

The money will be directed to the Blatchcombe and Blagdon areas, including Foxhole, Queen Elizabeth Drive, and Collaton St Mary.

Although the Blatchcombe ward was dissolved in 2019, much of the area now falls within the Kings Ash ward, where life expectancy is two and a half years lower than in Torbay's least deprived areas.

Torbay Council welcomed the announcement, saying the investment would "enhance shared spaces, breathe new life into local high streets, and improve public areas for everyone to enjoy."

South Devon Lib Dem MP Caroline Voaden said: "I look forward to working with local organisations and councillors to ensure this money makes a tangible difference.

"Investment in disadvantaged areas is to be welcomed, especially in places often overlooked in national schemes."

Other Devon areas to receive funding include Devonport, Mount Wise, and St Budeaux in Plymouth. Torquay received a similar sum in an earlier phase of the scheme.

More details on how the funding will be allocated were expected soon.