Selaine Saxby MP for North Devon said:
“It is disappointing, but not entirely unexpected that we were not successful in our Levelling Up bid for Ilfracombe seafront. I would like to thank the North Devon Council officers who dedicated so much time in preparing and submitting the bid. One of the main criteria that allocated priority for this fund was based on transport and average distances to a conurbation of 5000 or more job opportunities. We indeed, on this metric alone, fair considerably better than many other constituencies. I have argued with ministers to never use this misleading metric ever again. On receipt of the news that our bid was not successful I have spent an hour with the Levelling Up Minister, Dehenna Davison MP, who has accepted my invitation to come and visit Ilfracombe and see the potential project for herself.
“We should not, however, be disheartened as there will be other opportunities for the plans and for Ilfracombe. Also, with the Future High Streets Scheme under way in Barnstaple, the Link Road scheme progressing, the recent opening of the new North Devon leisure centre and the soon to be opened Watersports Centre in Ilfracombe, to name but a few, there are many positives to reflect on where we have received significant Government investment.
“We should also celebrate the success next door in Torridge. Appledore has the opportunity to be at the heart of marine research and innovation that can service the vast Floating Offshore Wind developments in the Celtic Sea. These investments benefit the wider community and having founded the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Celtic Sea. I have consistently shouted about how this energy revolution will be a huge economic asset to the south west and I am delighted that the Government recognises and has confidence in Northern Devon to contribute.”
