Views are sought on what makes Loughborough great

IDEAS are being sought to help transform Loughborough as part of a project to secure up to £25m of government funding.

Loughborough is one of 100 places across the country which have been offered the chance to bid for Town Deal funding to regenerate town centres, boost businesses and improve infrastructure and connectivity.

The Loughborough Town Deal Board, which is overseeing the project, met for the first time recently and ensuring the community are engaged in the process was high on the agenda.

Views are now being sought on what makes Loughborough great and what could make it better. People can have a say online by visiting www.charnwood.gov.uk/ towndealcomment

Coun Jonathan Morgan, cochair of the board, said: “The Town Deal is a huge opportunity for Loughborough and it is essential that we come together as a community to put together an outstanding business case to secure every penny of the £25m on offer.

“We will be engaging and consulting with residents, businesses and groups over the next few months but to get things moving we are appealing for ideas to be submitted.

“We are forming a community consultation and engagement group to oversee this work.

“Please put forward your ideas for the town, no matter how small or large, and get involved in helping to create a brighter future for Loughborough.”

Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, co-chair of the board, said: “Loughborough is a thriving market town and a major hub for the Charnwood community. This is a chance to make significant improvements in the town for the benefit of residents and the local economy. The board is committed to involving the community and so I would encourage people to come forward with ideas.”

Ideas will be considered as part of the process to draw up a town investment plan which will be submitted to government later this year. The plan will provide a vision for building on the town’s unique strengths to transform its economic growth prospects.

To suggest ideas, visit www. charnwood. gov. uk/ towndealcomment. Ideas must be submitted before 11.59pm on Sunday, February 23. Further consultation will take place later in the year.

For more information or to keep up to date on the latest Loughborough Town Deal news, follow @CharnwoodBC and look for the hashtag #LboroTownDeal, or visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/ towndeal

The Government has a website for all Town Deal projects as part of its #MyTown campaign and ideas and views can also be posted there. Visit mytown.communities.gov.uk