New £30m fund to help Woodside, Brookside and Sutton Hill

Woodside, Sutton Hill, and Brookside are set to receive a huge £30 million funding boost after a visit from two government ministers to a community centre today.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, visited Park Lane Community Centre to mark the launch of the new ‘Pride in Place’ programme.

This scheme will see a £20 million investment for residents across the three estates, secured through the work of Telford MP Shaun Davies. The funding was obtained through direct engagement with ministers, the Treasury, and the Department for Communities. In addition, a further £10 million has been committed by Telford & Wrekin Council.

The £30 million package will be invested over the next ten years, providing £3 million each year to support jobs, careers, and improved neighbourhoods. The money is also earmarked for upgrading community facilities and public spaces, and to match external funding.

The ‘Pride in Place’ programme is a new initiative designed to give long-term funding to areas that have been historically underfunded. The aim is to rebuild local pride and create stronger neighbourhoods by addressing local priorities.

Shaun Davies MP said, “This summer I promised residents I would fight for investment and I’m proud to have delivered this. By working together with Telford & Wrekin Council, we’ve not only secured government funding but also committed local investment to make this go even further.”

An independent local board, made up of the MP, local councillors, and community leaders, will oversee how the funds are allocated. However, the most important voice will be those who live and work in the area. The council and MP are now inviting all residents to take part in a community survey