Political rivals join forces to back bid
Released: 24 November 2007
Three political rivals joined forces today and took to the streets of Wolverhampton to encourage shoppers to vote for the Black Country’s bid to be awarded £50 million from the Big Lottery Fund.
The Labour leader of Wolverhampton City Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence, was joined by Conservative opposition leader Councillor Paddy Bradley and Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Mike Heap in a display of unity to back the ‘A Million People: Black Country as an Urban Park’ bid.
Dressed in campaign t-shirts, the trio handed out leaflets and talked to shoppers about The People’s £50 Million Contest.
The Black Country’s ambitious environmental regeneration project is one of four national schemes that will battle it out for votes via the internet and on ‘The People’s £50 Million Lottery Giveaway’ programme expected to be screened on ITV next month.
People will be able to vote online from Monday 26 November by registering at The People’s £50 Million website. Telephone voting will open on 7 December when the phone number will be announced.
The Black Country Urban Park scheme has four key elements - widespread regeneration of Wolverhampton’s canal network; the unveiling of one of the world’s most important geological features, the limestone caverns at Wren’s Nest; a 12-mile ‘green bridge’ park linking Walsall and West Bromwich town centres; and an inspirational visitors centre at Barr Beacon.
The Urban Park project will breathe new life into Wolverhampton's canal network, improving access to and across canals and adjoining public open spaces for everybody to enjoy.
Extra security and improvements to towpaths, bridges and lighting of tunnels will make the canals a safe and accessible environment that people can use at all times of the day, creating new and improved facilities for walking, cycling, recreation and sport.
The city’s canal network will be boosted by the re-opening of an historic wharf, providing extra water space for the creation of new canal boat moorings, and the provision of education and interpretation facilities along the canals will encourage people to be involved in the development of wildlife habitats.
The joint bid is being led by the Black Country Consortium, in partnership with Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Sandwell Councils and The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country.
Councillor Lawrence said: “All three party leaders have come together to support this bid which would bring £50million to the Black Country. We need people to vote if we are going to be successful and bring this massive investment to our region.”
Councillor Bradley said: “This is a magnificent chance for people in Wolverhampton and surrounding areas to vote for the continuing enhancement of the Black Country. The canals in and around Wolverhampton are of great historical importance. One thing is for sure, we need votes if we are to get this £50million.”
Councillor Heap said: “This is a very important bid for Wolverhampton and the Black Country. In Wolverhampton we have 15 projects that will benefit from this money including the canals and Springvale Park. I urge everyone to vote via the internet or telephone.”
Issued by the press office.