40 neighbourhoods join Pride in Place

40 neighbourhoods have joined the government's Pride in Place programme.

Local people in these areas will get the power to decide how up to £20 million is invested in their local area.

A new package worth up to £800 million will build on the success of the £5 billion Pride in Place programme that is already in place.

In Ramsgate, £500,00 was used to secure the freehold of the town’s last remaining youth centre and in Elgin, Scotland,  £1 million has been set aside to build a brand-new regional athletics hub.

Neighbourhood Boards, made up of local residents will oversee the funding allocated to their communities.

Today's announcement brings the total number of areas awarded funding up to 380.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "It is the same story in towns across the country. Youth clubs that have been abandoned, shops boarded up and high streets decimated.

"We must reverse the devastating decline in our communities and give power, agency and control to the very people who want to improve their community – those who have skin in the game.

"Through the Pride in Place Programme, communities – backed by the state and fired up by pride – will join the fight for national renewal and a Britain built for all."

Communities Secretary Steve Reed said: "Pride in Place is about giving power to local people who know best what needs to change in their area.

"The ambitious plans we’re seeing take shape in communities across the country is proof that when you give local people the tools to do the job – things get better."