Axminster MP says rural areas are being 'starved on support' in Levelling Up funding

Axminster MP Richard Foord has accused the government of failing to 'level up' the South West, after more than £200million of fresh Levelling Up funding was handed out to areas across the north and midlands.

Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, this week announced 16 new grants for Levelling Up funding with almost all of the £211million of funding going to large towns and cities. 

Bids to help regenerate the Seaton seafront, developing new office and work spaces in Axminster and build the long-promised Cullompton Relief Road were rejected from the initial allocation of funding in January. 

Richard Foord, Liberal Democrat MP for the Tiverton & Honiton constituency, which also include Axminster, has said that rural areas are being "starved of support" and has criticised the government for funnelling money into urban areas over rural places like Devon. 

The MP previously highlighted how last week's budget failed to offer anything for rural areas, despite the South West having some of the worst GP, ambulance and cancer waits in the country and poor digital and transport infrastructure. 

Mr Foord said: "This newest announcement once again shows that the Conservatives are continuing to take areas like ours for granted. 

"It is clear that this Conservative government does not care about rural areas like Devon and are continuing to deny our communities the funding they need to truly unlock their potential. 

"Levelling Up has consistently ignored rural parts of the country despite the crumbling state of our health services, transport links, and public services. 

"People in rural areas are fed up of being starved of support while the Government manages to find millions of pounds for larger towns and cities. 

"If the Conservatives were serious about ensuring Levelling Up was a success, they would ensure vital projects here in East and Mid Devon get the funding they need."