As I See It: Michelle Welsh, MP for Sherwood Forest, writes of delight at Levelling Up funding for Ollerton and Clipstone

I am thrilled that Ollerton and Clipstone have been awarded significant Levelling Up Funding in the recent government budget, writes Michelle Welsh, MP for Sherwood Forest.

This announcement marks a major step forward for our community, opening up opportunities to drive economic growth, foster local pride, and finally bring the investment we have been calling for over many years.

Securing this funding has been a real team effort, with Newark and Sherwood District Council working tirelessly to craft a visionary plan for the future.

Led by Councillor Paul Peacock, the Council has demonstrated a deep commitment to revitalising Ollerton and Clipstone.

I’d like to commend Councillor Peacock and the entire team at the District Council for their dedication, as well as the invaluable engagement from Ollerton and Boughton Town Council.

Their close collaboration with both district leaders and government officials has been essential to making this vision a reality.

The positive partnership between the Town Council, District Council, and Government has been a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together.

By engaging at every level, we’ve been able to align local needs with government resources, ensuring this funding can be directed towards transformative projects that will have the greatest impact.

It’s proof that when councils, government and community work hand in hand, we can truly deliver for our communities.

This Levelling Up Funding will bring new life to Ollerton and Clipstone, unlocking opportunities for employment, leisure, learning and living. These projects will bring about a stronger local economy and a more vibrant community, making our area an attractive place for businesses and a proud home for families.

This is the beginning of a new chapter for Ollerton and Clipstone, and it’s an achievement that belongs to everyone who worked so hard for it.

While we celebrate this victory, I want to reaffirm my commitment to working on behalf of all my constituents to bring prosperity to Sherwood Forest.

This includes fighting for further investment across the constituency, particularly in Hucknall, where the Levelling Up funding bid is currently out for consultation.

Each part of our constituency deserves its share of support, tailored to local needs, and I am dedicated to securing it.

For far too long, Ollerton and Clipstone have waited for the investment they deserve. Now, thanks to the dedication of our local councils and positive engagement with government, we can begin building a future full of opportunity and pride.

Let’s make this the first of many successes as we work together to create a stronger, more resilient Sherwood Forest.