MATT Vickers MP for Stockton South has welcomed news that the Prime Minister has announced additional funding to level up Thornaby.

The announcement is part of a wider economic package to accelerate infrastructure projects, fuelling jobs and the country’s economic recovery following coronavirus.

Towns across England that have successfully been selected to receive investment via the Government’s Towns Fund will benefit from a share of £96m to accelerate investment in their town centres and high streets this year.

As part of this, Thornaby will receive an extra 500k - £1m, in addition to its £25m bid through the town deal, to spend on projects such as improvements to parks, high streets and local transport.

It is receiving the funding as one of the 101 towns previously selected for town deals, under the Conservative Government’s plans to level up places across the country.

The Towns Fund is targeted at areas with proud industrial and economic heritage that have not always benefitted from economic growth in the same way as more prosperous areas.

Mr Vickers said: “I am delighted that Thornaby will receive at least £500,000 from the Stronger Towns fund this year – ahead of schedule – enabling local leaders to accelerate plans that will transform our area and help Stockton to thrive as we move beyond the coronavirus pandemic.

"I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to invest in infrastructure to unite and level up the country as we come through the coronavirus pandemic.

"The £5billion to bring forward infrastructure projects of all types, from better connected, more modern high streets to new schools and roads, will help to create new jobs and opportunities across Britain, and I will be fighting to ensure our area gets its fair share.”

The Prime Minister has announced £5 billion to invest in Britain’s infrastructure, as part of the New Deal for Britain, in the wake of the coronavirus.