£500k secured to help improve village centre

A VILLAGE centre is set for a major revamp after £500,000 of funding was secured by North West Leicestershire District Council.

Kegworth Parish Council will work closely with the council to deliver a scheme that will focus on improving the village’s infrastructure, stimulating economic growth and supporting businesses.

It’s expected to include redesigning the public space in the centre of the village and improvements for cyclists, especially people who cycle to work.

This will follow a period of engagement and interaction with businesses and members of the public, a large part of which began late last year.

Leicestershire County Council has been working with the parish council to trial new parking measures on the market place to support businesses there.

This followed the opening of a new bypass in 2018 which has drastically improved the traffic and reduced congestion through the village.

The results of this trial will play a significant part in deciding how the money is spent. Councillor Tony Gillard, lead for business and regeneration, said: “The new bypass was a huge victory for Kegworth and has had a hugely positive impact on the village.

“It allowed Kegworth to start to get its identity back but also marked a period of significant change for businesses and residents alike.

“This £500,000 is designed to help Kegworth continue to forge a new and bright economic future where businesses can continue to thrive in a still bustling and busy village.

“The funding will match money from the district and parish councils and we’re looking forward to working closely with our partners on this important project.” The funding for Kegworth comes from the Business Rates Pool via the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) which allocates money to projects that promote economic growth in the region.

It will be matched by £450,000 from NWLDC and £50,000 from Kegworth Parish Council.

Ward member Councillor Bertie Harrison-Rushton said: “I’m delighted the LLEP has recognised the opportunity we saw to improve the village centre which has resulted from the new bypass.”

However, it said it is looking at bringing back the popular farmers’ markets to The Square this month or in August, with fencing and social distancing measures in place.

Councillor Phil King, leader of the council, said: “We recognise events being cancelled is disappointing and clearly this is a difficult decision, but the welfare of the public, staff and event operators is our top priority.

“The impact of Covid-19 is still ongoing, and we do not yet know when it will be safe for events to practically resume, so this is a very necessary decision.

“In line with government guidance, we are hoping to resume the farmers’ markets in the summer, but must make sure the operational and staffing requirements are in place before we press forward.”

The council is hosting virtual business meetings and creating a “toolkit” to help businesses get back on track as they reopen after months of closure.