MP SIOBHAN Baillie accompanied a government minister on a tour of locations that will form a £20 million Levelling Up Fund bid for the

Stroud.

Neil O'Brien, who is the levelling up minister, was recently shown the vision for the bid that the district council have formulated.

The delegation included mayor Stella Parkes, chair of Stroud Town Council's regeneration committee Kevin Cranston, head of planning strategy and economic development Mark Russell and centre manager for Five Valleys Shopping Centre Jess Derham.

The group went to several locations to see first-hand what levelling up funds could do for the town, including at Five Valleys, the Sub Rooms

and through Rowcroft and Wallbridge.

“I was really pleased that the minister responded to my request to come to Stroud to see in person the proposals for Stroud that will be achieved using public and private investment," said Siobhan.

“I am looking forward to seeing the bid in full very soon as it is due to be sent to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

in the coming weeks."

Others who attended were council regeneration delivery lead Leonie Lockwood and estates director for Dransfield Properties James Shepherd.

Mr O’Brien added: “It was fantastic to spend some time in Stroud and learn about the projects that make up the town’s Levelling Up bid. 

“Siobhan has told me a lot about the area but it made a difference to see it all myself and how the private and public investment will work together.

“The government wants Levelling Up funding to make an impact and to improve lives and businesses. I wish the Stroud constituency all the best

with the application.”