Bedworth Secures £20m Levelling-Up Funds, MP Confirms

Rachel Taylor, the Labour Member of Parliament for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, has confirmed that her constituency is set to receive £20m following the recent Budget announcement, stating she is “delighted.” Ms. Taylor indicated that she had dedicated “many hours” to discussions with the chancellor regarding levelling-up funding prior to this decision. This funding was initially pledged by the preceding Conservative government as part of a broader £1.5bn funding initiative targeting 75 towns that had been designated as “overlooked.” According to Ms. Taylor, the allocated funds are intended for investment in Bedworth’s town centre and its facilities over the forthcoming 10-year period. A key component of this investment involves the construction of a new state-of-the-art leisure centre, designed to supersede current facilities dating back to the 1970s, and will feature a pool, a sports hall, and a fitness studio. Previously, councillors from both Labour and Conservative parties in Bedworth had collaborated to press the government for the release of the £20m. Tory councillor Damon Brown commented, “It represents the biggest investment in the future of this town that it has seen in decades.” He further added, “To take that away would be to knock the aspiration of the town.” Ms. Taylor indicated that the Budget, unveiled on Wednesday, provided her with clarity following “weeks of speculation,” and that this certainty would facilitate her work on behalf of her constituents. She also mentioned having met with the chief executive of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council to commence the implementation of these plans. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.