South Tynesiders urged to shout up about how to level up communities as MPs get greater say on where funding will be spent

Labour’s Emma Lewell-Buck who represents South Shields, and Kate Osborne, who represents the Jarrow constituency, have put out a call for people to air their views on where money should go to support the area’s economy and services.

It comes after they pushed the Government to make the borough a priority for the agenda, which it says will increase opportunities across the country, moving jobs out of London and investing in hard-up high streets.

Millions of pounds could be on their way to both areas under the schemes.

They say that in the past, decisions over where money has been spent on regeneration and improvement schemes have been down to councils, but a change means they will get a greater say on proposals, with people urged to voice their views, concerns and ideas so they can be represented during consultation.

Ms Lewell-Buck said: “There’s an opportunity for money through levelling up, for both the Jarrow and the South Shields areas, and we want businesses to come forward about this so we can put forward to the Government about how it can be delivered.

"It’s a great chance for people to get involved.

"The Government, through MPs, will find out what we need.

"There are times when councils are carrying out major projects and we get no say and there have been times where I’ve disagreed with it.

"This means we will be a lot more involved and can help put forward people’s views.”

Ms Osborne added: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure this funding and to have a say in how it is spent.

"The ‘levelling up’ fund gives us an opportunity for investment in our communities after a decade of being left behind by central government.

"We are encouraging constituents to get in touch with us by 5pm on Friday, June 4, with any ideas they may have.”

The South Shields MP’s office can be emailed via [email protected] while the Jarrow office can be emailed through [email protected].

Both have also posted about the consultation on their Facebook pages, where comments can also be left.

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