McDonnell: ‘Coastal towns hit hard by austerity’

COASTAL TOWNS have been hit “very hard” by years of austerity, John McDonnell will claim today as Labour frontbenchers launch a campaign to boost the nation’s high streets.

The shadow chancellor is expected to tell an audience in Blackpool that places like the Lancashire seaside town have “not been treated fairly” in terms of Government investment.

His address at a Road To Rebuilding The Economy conference comes as businesses voted in favour of creating a Business Improvement District on the Yorkshire coast where local firms pay into a mandatory levy used to benefit the area. It is hoped the scheme will raise £5m over five years.

This year, The Yorkshire Post reported that the region’s coastal communities are facing mounting pressure to capitalise on a wave of unprecedented economic opportunities while preserving the hugely lucrative multi-billionpound tourism industry.

At today’s conference, Mr McDonnell is due to say: “Eight years of austerity have hit many coastal towns like Blackpool very hard.

“Areas like Blackpool have not been treated fairly when it comes to government investment.

“My aim is to ensure that Blackpool receives its fair share of government funding to grow a vibrant and prosperous local economy.

“Our struggling high streets are one of the clearest symptoms of the Government’s failure to invest in our communities. Labour’s five-point plan for British high streets will help breathe life back into our struggling town centres.”