A ‘huge moment’ as MPs secure transformative £60 million for ‘overlooked’ communities across North and West Cumbria.

Some of North and West Cumbria’s most deprived and long-neglected communities are set for a once-in-a-generation boost, with £60 million of government funding secured by local Labour MPs as part of Labour’s Plan for Neighbourhoods.

Three neighbourhood areas, Morton and Raffles in Carlisle, Maryport, Broughton Moor and Flimby, and the Kells, Woodhouse, Greenbank and Mirehouse area of south Whitehaven will each receive £20 million, with £2 million per year spread over the next ten years, supporting local jobs, improving community facilities, and rebuilding pride in place.

Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said: “This is a huge moment for Whitehaven and for Flimby.

“After years of neglect, we’ve secured £20 million of long-term funding for some of our most overlooked neighbourhoods.

“This investment will make our streets safer, support families and young people, and rebuild pride in these communities.

“It’s proof that Labour in government is delivering for people left behind under the Tories.”

Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway, said: “We’re already transforming the centre of Maryport but now with this funding the communities of Ewanrigg and Ellenborough and the village of Broughton Moor will get the investment they’ve been crying out for too.

“I’m proud that under Labour we’ve finally secured it. £20 million over the next ten years will help create opportunities for local people and strengthen our community.”

Julie Minns, MP for Carlisle and North Cumbria, said: “This is extremely positive and welcome news for local residents in Morton and Raffles.

“The funding is another milestone in the Government’s plan for change alongside the eight free breakfast clubs rolled out in local schools, a new urgent dental treatment centre at the Infirmary and over one and a half million pounds for neighbourhood policing across Cumbria. 

“The £20 million secured for Morton and Raffles provides the resource to deliver transformational change in these neighbourhoods.

“I look forward to working with residents and voluntary and community groups to make sure this money is spent where it makes the biggest difference to people’s lives.”

The funding will be delivered in partnership with Cumberland Council through Labour’s Pride in Place programme; a multi-billion pound national investment programme targeting 146 of the most in-need neighbourhoods across the country.

Independent boards will now be set up for each neighbourhood to determine how the money should be spent, led by local people and with the involvement of each area’s MP.