Bolton West MP Chris Green has welcomed today’s announcement of £12 million funding for the Rivington Chase development.
The funding is part of an £866 million investment in local housing projects to help make housing developments viable – without financial support these projects would struggle to go ahead or take years to begin. The funding awarded for the development of 1,700 houses at the Loco Works site is one of the highest awarded in the country by the government.
During last year’s General Election campaign, Housing Secretary Sajid Javid visited the Loco Works site and met with concerned residents, including members of Horwich First Community Group.
Chris said: “Brownfield sites like the Loco Works are exactly where we should be building and last year I was pleased to be able to take Sajid to the site so he could see some of the issues first-hand.
“There are concerns about the development – particularly around contaminated land and traffic – and I am hopeful that this government funding will be put to good use.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, said: “Today marks the first step of the multi-billion pound investment we announced at the Budget to help build the homes our country needs.
“This fund finances vital infrastructure such as roads, schools and bridges, which will kick-start housing development in some of Britain’s highest-demand areas.”
Housing Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: “Our priority is building the homes this country desperately needs.
“This first wave of investment totalling £866 million will help get up to 200,000 homes off the ground, making a huge difference to communities across the country.
“This is just one of the many ways this Government is taking action to get Britain building homes again.”
Last year, the MP chaired a public meeting, organised by Horwich First Community Group, to discuss concerns surrounding the development after the Master Plan was pulled. There was outrage when Council Leader Cliff Morris, along with Council Officers, refused to attend – despite attending a similar event organised by a Labour MP.