Last week local MP Robert Largan welcomed the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government, to Buxton to learn more about the town and to meet with local councillors Linda Grooby and Tony Kemp.

The Cabinet Minister saw the Buxton Opera House and Buxton Crescent with the High Peak MP and local councillors, discussing the £6.6 million grant recently awarded to  Buxton town centre from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.

During the visit, the Mr Jenrick said:

“We created the Future High Streets Fund even before the pandemic because we knew that town centres were under pressure. 

“The pandemic has magnified, amplified those market forces. We want to help them to bounce back now to prosper and thrive once again. 

“So I was absolutely delighted that the Government was able to give £6.6 million to Buxton to help support its recovery after the pandemic, and that comes in addition to other investments that I know Robert and Linda and Tony been part of as well including, of course, the restoration of the beautiful Crescent.”

Local Councillor Linda Grooby thanked the Cabinet Minister for backing Buxton, saying:

“The £6.6million to regenerate the town centre is really positive news for the town. I’m working cloesley with Robert and councillors to make sure the money is spent wisely. 

“We need the shopping experience to be improved, but we also need to make it more enjoyable for families to come into the town centre and support our local businesses.”

The Future High Streets Fund was launched in 2018, with £675 million in to help town centres and high streets to be renewed and improved, and improving lives for local residents.

Robert Largan MP commented:

“It was great to welcome the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government to Buxton to meet with our fantastic local councillors. 

“It was a good opportunity to discuss the Future High Streets Fund and the £6.6 million his Department awarded to regenerate Buxton town centre.

“I am glad we won that funding with the help of Linda and Tony’s hard work. But we need the Labour-led Council to listen to local people and fine tune the proposals, so we can make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity for Buxton. 

“Let’s work together to make High Peak even better!”