£20 million secured: Labour delivers once in a generation investment for South Whitehaven

Whitehaven MP Josh MacAlister and Cllr Emma Williamson have secured £20 million of long-term investment for Whitehaven’s neighbourhoods of Kells, Woodhouse, Greenbank, Sandwith and Mirehouse through Labour’s Pride in Place programme.

The funding will deliver £2 million every year for the next ten years, supporting local jobs, improving community facilities, enhancing green spaces, and making the area safer.

Josh MacAlister MP said:

“When I was elected, I promised to fight for our community – and I am proud to have delivered. £20 million of long-term investment will transform the neighbourhoods of south Whitehaven over the next decade. Neighbourhoods which for too long have been overlooked when funding was dished out by Whitehall.

“The most important thing is that local people get to decide how it’s spent, not civil servants in London. Emma Williamson and I have already been out asking residents for their views, and together we’ll make sure every penny reflects our community’s priorities.”

Cllr Emma Williamson, who has been campaigning alongside Josh to secure funding for her community, said:

“This is a huge win for south Whitehaven. Local people have been calling for better facilities, safer streets, and stronger support for young people. I’ve been proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Josh to secure this investment, and now we’ll work with residents to turn it into real change in Kells, Woodhouse, Greenbank, Sandwith and Mirehouse.”

Josh and Emma have already launched a neighbourhood survey to give residents the chance to shape how the funding is used. Hundreds of responses have already come in, highlighting the need for more opportunities for young people, youth facilities, playgrounds and indoor sports spaces, better public transport links, investment in community spaces and measures to address crime and anti-social behaviour.

Josh added:

“This investment is a once in a generation opportunity. But to get it right, we need to hear from as many people as possible. If you haven’t yet completed our neighbourhood survey, please do take a few minutes – your views will help shape how this £20 million is spent.”

A Neighbourhood Delivery Board, led by leaders of the community, alongside Josh and Emma, will now be set up to decide how the funding should be spent and oversee delivery.

Residents can share their views at: joshmacalister.uk/neighbourhood-survey