'˜Council must be ambitious despite government funding cuts', says leader

Council Leader Christopher Akers-Belcher said despite the Government cuts and budget pressure - Hartlepool Borough Council would continue to be ambitious in its plans to improve the town.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Feb 2017, 13:08 BST
Updated 28th Feb 2017, 11:47 BST
The National Museum Royal Navy Hartlepool. Picture by FRANK REIDThe National Museum Royal Navy Hartlepool. Picture by FRANK REID
The National Museum Royal Navy Hartlepool. Picture by FRANK REID

In a presentation, he highlighted recent investments and achievements the authority had helped to secure.

They included helping Cleveland College of Art and Design secure in excess of £10m funding, £3.1m for business start-up units in Whitby Street, and the arrival in town of the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

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The National Museum Royal Navy Hartlepool. Picture by FRANK REIDThe National Museum Royal Navy Hartlepool. Picture by FRANK REID
The National Museum Royal Navy Hartlepool. Picture by FRANK REID

Coun Akers-Belcher said: “Despite the pressures we face as a result of the continued, savage and unfair cuts in Government funding we need to remain ambitious for our town.

“Because if we don’t be ambitious for our town I don’t believe anybody else will be.

“Our ambition is based on achieving six key strategic objectives. Policy committees are currently working on the details which will underpin the achievement of these priorities and further details will be reported to council next month when members will be asked to approve the Council Plan.”

Coun Akers-Belcher said the council will need to secure grants and private investment to achieve its ambitions.

He added: “We do have a proven track record of being successful in achieving incredibly large sums of money for investment in our town.”

Related topics:GovernmentHartlepool Borough CouncilNational Museum of the Royal Navy