Newton-le-Willows residents invited to shape exciting future through £20m Plan for Neighbourhoods funding

Article date: 7 April 2025

In addition to the Earlestown Town Centre Regeneration Masterplan, Plan for Neighbourhoods - previously known as Long-Term Plan for Towns - will enable investment over the next ten-years to grow the economy, deliver safer streets and create opportunities for everyone - with eight themes to be considered:

• Regeneration, high streets and heritage
• Housing
• Work, productivity and skills
• Cohesion
• Health and Wellbeing
• Transport
• Safety and security
• Education and opportunity

The newly created Newton-le-Willows Plan for Neighbourhood Board - made up of a dedicated group of public, private and third sector representatives - has been tasked with developing an Investment Plan for the area. The outcome of the public consultation will help to shape and prioritise investment within the plan and therefore the Board is encouraging residents to engage in the six-week consultation that will be available online and through events out in the local community.

Encouraging local residents to get involved with the consultation process, Councillor Richard McCauley, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Inclusive Growth and Regeneration, and Newton-le-Willows Plan for Neighbourhood Board member, said: "This is a significant amount of funding for Newton-le-Willows and to ensure it is spent wisely, we really need to hear from local residents on the issues that matter most to them so that we as Board members can understand what would help to make Newton- le-Willows an even greater place.  

"Public consultation is vital to ensure that the funding is used to meet the specific needs of our communities so I'd encourage as many people as possible to take part in this process, whether online or at one of our local events, to help shape an exciting future for Newton-le-Willows."

Chris Hickey, Chair of Newton-le-Willows Neighbourhood Board and Managing Director of Mercury Hampton, a multi-million-pound business located in the area, said:

"This funding represents a game-changer for the future of Newton-le-Willows. The Plan for Neighbourhood Board has been working tirelessly to ensure we develop a well-balanced plan that will benefit everyone in our community. 

"We want to ensure that our town not only grows but thrives and benefits all of all its residents. This is an opportunity for every local voice to be heard as we work together to create an even more vibrant and dynamic community."

Joanne Edge, Community Representative on Newton-le-Willows Plan for Neighbourhood Board and Manager of Newton Sports Club, added:

"As a local representative and member of the Engagement Sub-Group that has had oversight of the development of the Engagement Strategy, I believe it's crucial for people who live and work here to have a direct say in how funding is spent.

 "Local people understand the needs of their area better than anyone. That's why it's so important for our community to engage with this consultation process, to ensure there are many different ways for people to have their say we have ensured there are many different channels to access information  whether that's online, at public events or maybe as part of a special interests group  at the events we're holding around the town. It's a chance to make sure our shared vision becomes a reality."

 The public consultation will start on Monday 7 April and run until Sunday 18 May.  In addition to the online consultation,  two drop-in events have been scheduled to take place in the following locations.

Earlestown Pop Up Market - Saturday 12 April, 10:00am-4:00m

• High Street Hive Market - Sunday 4 May, 12:00pm-5:00pm
   

• To take part in the consultation online, visit:  https://placed.mysocialpinpoint.com/newton-le-willows-plan-neighbourhoods.

For more information on Newton-le-Willows Plan for Neighbourhood Board, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/article/11064/Newton-le-Willows-Town-Board