Knowsley Council’s Cabinet has approved funding of £1.899m from one-off resources that will be invested in a range of initiatives to enhance the borough and facilities available for local residents, businesses and visitors.
The detailed programme of investments includes:
- Support for the Bowring Park restoration project, ensuring structural works to the Coach House and Stables Block can be completed.
- A varied programme of events to be available when Knowsley hosts the Borough of Culture in 2022 – this coincides with the planned opening for the Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot. The programme will include cultural events for children, young people and adults.
- Investment in Halewood Academy and Lord Derby Academy to enhance learning environments.
- Additional maintenance of around 15 highways and 43 footpaths across the borough.
- Specialist advice around Kirkby town centre redevelopment.
- Continuation of raising the profile of Knowsley through the private and public sector working together to encourage investors, new residents and new businesses into the borough.
- Extension of the work of a Fostering Social Worker post to support the growing number of foster carers in Knowsley, preventing the need for out of borough placements.
- Strengthening the borough’s response to flooding emergencies through the provision of flood sacks and a rapid response pump.
Cllr Jayne Aston
Cllr Jayne Aston, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “Our robust financial management has enabled us to invest in one-off projects that I know will provide great benefits for our residents and tackles their priority issues including providing great facilities in our parks and green spaces, improving learning environments in our schools and progressing with the borough’s redevelopment plans.
“I’m delighted that we have been able to approve this latest round of investment and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will make over the coming months and years.”