Delight as £20 million Government funding announced for Meir North

The city council has welcomed news that Meir North will receive £20 million of government funding to help boost the community. 

It is one of 169 areas across the country that will receive £2 million every year for a decade as part of the Government’s £5 billion Pride in Place programme. The aim is to help communities take charge of funding to transform their local areas.     

The announcement is the second major boost for Stoke-on-Trent neighbourhoods in recent months. In June, the government confirmed the city would receive up to £20 million to transform Bentilee and Ubberley through regeneration projects led by the local community. The neighbourhood was chosen as one of only 25 “trailblazer” neighbourhoods across the UK to receive the funds. 

Councillor Lauren Davison, who represents Meir North and Broadway on Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "This investment from the government is fantastic news for Meir North and Broadway. 

"I am absolutely delighted as I know how much my residents want to see change. 

"This funding will bring real opportunities to improve the area and deliver lasting benefits. 

"I will be working closely to ensure that my residents' priorities shape how the money is spent, and that it has maximum impact." 

The department for Housing, Communities and Local Government said the Pride in Place programme will empower communities to “seize boarded-up shops, block nuisance businesses, and buy beloved local assets before they close – restoring pride and unity to every corner of the country".    

And it will help local people decide how funding is spent — reviving high streets, restoring parks, and breathing new life into pubs, leisure centres and community halls. 

It forms part of the Government’s Plan for Change, a decade-long mission to back the people who make their communities thrive. It sits alongside wider work to deliver cleaner, safer streets, create opportunities on every doorstep, and build the homes, roads and GP surgeries people need to thrive.   

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of the city council, said: “This latest announcement for Meir North, on top of the £20 million for Bentilee and Ubberley as a trailblazer neighbourhood, is a major boost and another huge vote of confidence that this city can deliver. 

“It will transform our communities and, most importantly, give people a vital say in delivering the changes they want to see.”