Yesterday the UK Government announced £25 million of levelling up funding grants. The money is as they say: “to save cherished places like pubs, theatres and museums….More than 70 treasured buildings across the UK will be saved, protecting important community spaces that mean so much to local people.”
But not round here. Although 72 projects have been offered funding not one is from the South West region – never mind Somerset. Meanwhile plenty of government largesse is being lavished elsewhere:
- 4 projects worth £1.2 million in the North West – including £360,000 so the community in Ashton can buy and restore their Golden Lion pub
- 3 projects worth almost £600,000 in the North East – including over £273,000 to preserve the medieval St Mary’s Church in Gateshead, so it can host more community events
- 8 projects worth £2.3 million in Yorkshire and the Humber – including £240,000 to restore Charlotte Brontë’s birthplace in Bradford and boost local tourism
- 6 projects worth almost £2 million in the East Midlands – including £700,000 to transform Loughborough’s 1930s Generator Hall into an arts and culture hub for the community
- 5 projects worth £3 million in the West Midlands – including £2 million for the historic Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
- 6 projects worth £1.6 million in the East of England – including £300,000 to turn a three-acre site into a new community park with a play area and outdoor gym in Canvey Island
The cynic in me sees that this is now pure electioneering by the government. Perhaps they’ve written off many of the Somerset seats they’ve already lost one across to Sarah Dyke and it seems likely the Taunton one would follow too. Very sad case when politicians are using public money for Electoral means .
Also very sad for the arts in this county as they are not supported by very much public money. The last support for the arts actually happened under Mendip Council in 2022
Unless they are complacent about the SW! They are wooing the Red-wall? At least there was some money for the Arts for our northern friends! Should not be using public money for electioneering though!!
They are just aiming at the red-wall seats, they think their votes are certain in Somerset? We must prove them wrong!! At least some of those projects are for the Arts for once!