Communities across southern Holderness are set to benefit from a £20 million investment over the next decade under a new government programme designed to put local people in control of shaping their towns and villages.
Withernsea, Patrington, Easington, Holmpton, Hollym, Kilnsea, Winestead, Welwick and Skeffling will share the funding as part of the Pride in Place scheme, which aims to support neighbourhoods most in need by giving them the resources to take ownership of assets and revitalise local spaces.
The funding is expected to be directed by a new Pride in Place Board, made up of representatives from town and parish councils, East Riding Council and other community figures, with the Government only releasing funds where local groups are directly involved in decision-making.
Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart, who has been invited to sit on the board, has launched an online survey to encourage residents to share their ideas. Some of those already put forward by residents range from ambitious projects such as rebuilding Withernsea Pier to smaller-scale improvements such as new play equipment and upgraded community facilities.
Communities will have powers to buy back valued assets, such as at-risk pubs, and bring boarded-up shops or derelict buildings back into use. They will also be able to block unwanted outlets such as betting shops and vape stores, while investing in projects that improve local life for residents of all ages.
Mr Stuart said: “It’s great that southern Holderness will be given this government money, and we should all think about how we can improve our areas because, and we mustn’t understate this, £20 million could transform Withernsea, Patrington, Easington, Kilnsea, Winestead, Welwick, Skeffling, Holmpton and Hollym for ever.
“And I want it to be community-led, which is why it’s so important that we get your ideas out there and start talking about what we can do going forward.”
Withernsea mayor Alex Camplin said: “It’s exciting to see Withernsea getting this kind of attention and investment. £20 million is a significant sum, and I’m sure people here have plenty of ideas about what could truly make a difference – from better transport and bringing empty buildings back into use, to creating inclusive spaces for everyone. I’m really looking forward to seeing how it all takes shape, and making sure the community stays involved every step of the way.”
Cllr Lyn Healing said: “It’s fantastic news that Withernsea and Patrington are to receive £20 million – a huge boost for our area. What matters now is hearing from residents about what they want and what will truly benefit our communities.
“I’ve already seen some excellent ideas shared on social media, and I encourage people to bring those forward so we can explore how to make them a reality. Of course there will always be a few negative voices online, but this is our town and parish, and it’s vital the community takes the lead in shaping this investment. This is a real opportunity for us to work together and turn much-needed investment into lasting change for our area.”
Cllr Sean McMaster added: “I am incredibly pleased to see that both Withernsea and Patrington are to receive the £20 million of Pride in Place funding. This will be a very welcome boost to these areas and will hopefully drive renewal where it is needed, revitalise the high streets and develop shared spaces.
“How our communities can get the best out of this support will be shared with us in due course by the government department responsible. In my view, however, I do think residents of Withernsea and Patrington should have a say on how this money can be used to benefit their area.”
Cllr Jon Dimberline struck a note of caution, saying: “It’s fantastic that £20 million has been earmarked for this area, but we need to remember it’s spread over 10 years and across a number of communities. Nobody yet knows exactly what Withernsea or Patrington will see from it.
“The key is to make sure whatever money comes is spent on projects that are sustainable – not just headline-grabbing schemes that cost hundreds of thousands but then fall into disrepair because nobody thought about how to maintain or run them. Too often funding is awarded without long-term planning, so we have to get this right. Let’s hope this money is used wisely, with the future in mind.”
The Pride in Place Programme is a nationwide initiative that will see 169 neighbourhoods across Britain each receive £20 million, building on an earlier phase that covered 75 towns. The scheme is designed to provide long-term funding in areas identified as being in particular need, with a strong emphasis on local priorities and decision-making.
Launching the programme, Steve Reed, Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary, said: “Through our Pride in Place Programme, we are helping communities take back control. This is about local people calling the shots.
“Make no mistake, that this is a pilot in a new way of governing, and it dwarfs anything that has come before.”