Northumberland Labour has welcomed the announcement that £30m is to be invested in regenerating Ashington. However, the announcement comes after seven years of delays which have effectively brought any signs of improvement in the town to a standstill.

Leader Scott Dickinson said: “While this investment is, of course, very welcome it’s a long time coming. We really must thank Labour North of Tyne leaders, strong Labour councillors and our Labour MP for their support and for pursuing this.

“The council officers, local councillors, residents and businesses have all worked tirelessly on this. The scheme should never have been rejected by government originally and made as an afterthought. It should not be claimed as ‘council approving the money’; it’s them accepting donations from others based on the work done by others.

“Labour has always invested in Ashington and will continue to do so. People only need to look at the start of the improvements to the town before the Conservatives pulled the plug.

“Our councillors will work with residents to ensure that it is spent with them in mind and with them being consulted. We will ensure that we hold to account the spend on that money to get the most out of it for the people of Ashington; now we have something, we can’t let it be misspent.

“I can also give this commitment today, as previous Labour councils before. After the next election if the public chooses a Labour council, investment in Ashington and all towns that need it across Northumberland will only build on this money. Nothing will be done half-heartedly.”