Council-Leader Cllr Anthony Okereke and Local MP for Erith and Thamesmead Abena Oppong-Asare, announced today (Friday 20 March) that £20million of long-term funding from the government’s Pride of Place funding has been secured for Thamesmead Birchmere Park over the next ten years.
The Pride in Place funding means £2 million every year dedicated to improving the local community and builds on the existing work the Council and local MP have already delivered for Thamesmead with the introduction of the Superloop bus route, future extension of the DLR as well as backing it to be recognised as one of the government’s next new towns.
This investment will make a real difference and can be used to support projects that create jobs and opportunities locally; improve community facilities, youth services and green spaces; help make streets safer and cleaner; and strengthen vital community groups.
Abena Oppong-Asare, MP for Erith and Thamesmead, said:
“Since being elected, I've been fighting hard in Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead, and now that work is paying off. We’ve secured £20 million of long-term funding for Thamesmead Birchmere Park through Labour’s Pride in Place programme – £2 million every year for the next decade.
“This investment will strengthen community life, support local groups and organisations, and bring people together across our neighbourhood. This is the difference a Labour Government makes. I look forward to working with the local council and Cllr Anthony Okereke to deliver real change.”
Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “Pride in Place funding is great news for our residents in Thamesmead Birchmere Park and the latest in good things happening in Thamesmead. But it’s up to you. I want to hear from local people what their priorities are for the area and they’ll be in the driving seat to make sure it’s used where it will really matters. In Thamesmead we’re getting things done.”
Communities Secretary Steve Reed, said: "Pride in Place is about giving power to local people who know best what needs to change in their area.
"The ambitious plans we’re seeing take shape in communities across the country is proof that when you give local people the tools to do the job – things get better."
Birchmere Park was named by the government today as one of the 40 new neighbourhoods that will join the 244 already taking part in Pride of Place, bringing the total to 284 communities across the UK where local people are deciding how investment is used in their area.
Residents will also play a key role in deciding what the funding goes towards. The Local MP will be launching a survey shortly.