Northumberland Council to spend £2.7m regeneration cash

Jul 4 2009 by David Black, The Journal

Suggested schemes include the assessment and identification of phased improvements to the road network between Blyth town centre and the A189, to tackle traffic congestion and upgrade links to the Blyth Estuary development area.

Others are sustainable transport projects in partnership with local bus operators and increased environmental and recreation opportunities, including plugging a funding gap in a Blyth Estuary cycleway.

In addition, limited revenue funding of £85,000 will be used to appoint a temporary specialist Growth Point officer for two years.

The report to the economic prosperity and strategic services scrutiny committee by senior planner, Gordon Halliday, says: “The Growth Point initiative aims to provide more homes, and the Growth Fund will assist the council to invest in the essential services needed to accompany the delivery of these new homes.”

The county council submitted a bid for £8.5m in Growth Point funding for the period to 2011, but Mr Halliday says the £2.7m allocation reflects the fact that, nationally, bids far outstripped the finances available.

Announcing the Growth Point programme last summer, then housing minister Caroline Flint said 12,900 new homes would be built in Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Northumberland, although she conceded that the challenging property market could hit the plans.