SHROPSHIRE Council is making a second bid for cash from Whitehall to fund major redevelopment in Craven Arms after an initial application was thrown out.

The council will now apply to the Levelling Up Fund round 2 for support on projects in Craven Arms, Oswestry and Shrewsbury, as well as a cross-county transport bid.

For all four projects it will be the second time that the council has sought funding, after disappointingly missing out in the first round, and on its subsequent Bus Back Better bid as part of the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan funding.

In Craven Arms, a bid will be made to support a major infrastructure project to include a new roundabout on the A49, a road bridge over the railway line, and spine roads and utility provision on key employment sites.

This supports the planned growth of Craven Arms through accelerating the delivery of infrastructure to unlock the allocated Local Plan housing and employment growth on the northern edge of the town.

This will also enable sites within the town centre to be redeveloped for more appropriate uses, including housing.

“Although it was incredibly disappointing to lose out on money in the first round, I am delighted to have secured the backing from Cabinet to take these bids to the Government again,” said Ed Potter, Shropshire Council’s Deputy Leader, and Cabinet member for economic growth, regeneration and planning.

“These are major projects across the county, which will help our economic plans, boost infrastructure and benefit communities.

“We want to stimulate growth in our towns and support businesses, and these projects will do just that.

“It’s not all about the money though, which will of course make a huge difference to the people who live, work and visit the county, but bidding again is a further way to secure recognition from the Government for our county’s economic ambitions and put Shropshire on the map.”

This will also enable sites within the town centre to be redeveloped for more appropriate uses, including housing.

All four bids will be submitted ahead of the Government’s deadline in July.

If Shropshire’s bid is successful, more detailed proposals will be developed with input from partners and close engagement with residents, organisations, community groups and businesses.