A SURVEY has revealed community support for the Millom and Haverigg Town Deal  projects designed to boost levels of health, opportunity and prosperity with a lasting legacy of real change for the community.

The Millom Town Deal Board secured £20.6 million from the Government’s Towns Fund in November 2022, attracting a further £8.7 million in match funding.

The money will be used to deliver four projects selected to meet local need as well as the strict criteria set by the Government.

Now, the results of a recent survey have shown community support for the projects. They will also be used to help inform the teams working on the schemes as they move towards delivery.

Respondents were asked to rate their level of support for the four Town Deal projects.

Strongly support and support were the most popular answers selected in relation to each project.

The results revealed that 91.07% of people who took part in the survey live in Millom or Haverigg with other respondents working in the area or visiting for leisure purposes.

David Savage, Chair of the Millom Town Deal Board, said: “The Town Deal drop-in events held in Millom and Haverigg in June saw a terrific turnout so we know people are interested in the projects and how this programme can bring new opportunities to the town.

“It’s great to have these survey results. My thanks go to everyone who has taken part. We value all of the information shared with us as we move forwards in the process.”

Millom Town Deal Board, which includes representatives from all aspects of the community, is working alongside the newly formed Cumberland Council whose focus is to ensure the projects are completed before March 2026.

The four projects are:

The Iron Line – a scheme to sensitively transform RSPB Hodbarrow into an inspirational and fully inclusive visitor attraction featuring new walking and cycling routes, a visitor centre with cafe/bar, events room and parking for around 80 vehicles.

Activating Community Health – The creation of a new, multi-purpose leisure hub on land at Millom School to provide a range of facilities including a community swimming pool and 3G pitch.

Reactivating Heritage Buildings – A project to significantly enhance Millom Town Centre to increase vitality and footfall by bringing derelict, vacant and underused heritage buildings back into active use, including the former Natwest Bank building in St George’s Road.

Connected Millom and Haverigg – Improving Millom’s transport network to create a gateway to the town at the railway station, while improving ways to move around both Millom and Haverigg on foot or by bicycle.

Councillor Mark Fryer, the Leader of Cumberland Council, said: “My own thanks go to everyone who has taken the time to attend the drop-in events or fill in the survey.

“It is great to see so many people engaging with the process and sharing their views on the projects as they move forward.”

For more details about Millom Town Deal, please visit millomtowndeal.org.uk