Flintshire misses out on UK government ‘flag ship’ levelling up fund for second time

A total of 11 projects in Wales have been allocated more than £208 million from round two of the UK government Levelling Up Fund, non are in Flintshire.

In total 100 projects across the UK have won a share of £2.1bn from the second pot of funding released by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

In north Wales, Denbighshire will receive £11 million to restore the historic monuments in Ruthin, including St Peter’s Church and the town square.

There is £17 million for building new walkways and cycle paths to bring people closer together in Holyhead and enable visitors and local people to explore the stunning sites of St Cybi’s Church and the Roman Fort.

A safe and direct cycle route will be created between Llandudno Junction and Betws y Coed via the Conwy Valley with an £18.6 million grant. The scheme will also include measures to mitigate against flooding.

Bids of £20m per parliamentary constituency were invited by the UK government.

Flintshire submitted bids for projects which would see the redevelopment of Connah’s Quay Docks, a new Sea Cadets building and parade area on Dock Road, the redevelopment of Greenfield Business Park, and support the ongoing refurb of John Summers Clocktower.

The Alyn and Deeside bid was described buy by Connah’s Quay Town Council as “limp and uninspiring.” ‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌​

Transport for Wales also made an amended bid, through Flintshire Council, for investment in the Wrexham to Bidston line which was unsuccessful in round one, but now takes into account feedback from the UK Government, non were successful.

The funding announced today follows the allocation of £1.7 billion to 105 projects from round one of the Levelling Up Fund in 2021– taking the total allocated so far from the fund to £3.8 billion.

The UK government has also confirmed there will be a further round of the Levelling Up Fund, providing more opportunity to level up places across the UK.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose own constituency received £19m from round 2 of the Levelling Up Fund, said:

“Through greater investment in local areas, we can grow the economy, create good jobs and spread opportunity everywhere.

 “That’s why we are backing a number of projects with new transformational funding to level up local communities in Wales.

 “By reaching even more parts of the country than before, we will build a future of optimism and pride in people’s lives and the places they call home.”

Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies said that the investment in various projects across Wales will have a significant impact on generations to come, regenerating town centres, historic buildings, creating new cycle and walking paths, improving facilities for visitors, delivering transport solutions for Cardiff, and contributing to the health and future job opportunities for people in the areas involved.