BRIDGWATER has been named as one of 100 places in the UK to benefit from the government's £3.6 billion Towns Fund.

The towns eligible for support include places with proud industrial and economic heritage which have not benefitted from economic growth in the same way as more prosperous areas.

Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick said: “Ensuring that prosperity and opportunities are available to everyone in this country, not just those in London or our biggest cities is central to the mission of this government.

“We want to level-up our great towns, raising living standards and ensuring they can thrive with transformative investment in infrastructure, technology, skills and culture.

“I will now work with local people from the 100 communities announced today to agree proposals to invest up to £25m in each place. I hope these deals will provide the investment and the impetus for long-term renewal ensuring each place can look to the future with a new optimism.

“This support for funding for Bridgwater builds on our investment in the county through £43.57 million from the Local Growth Fund which is delivering transformational schemes like the Huntspill Energy Park and Somerset Innovation Centre.”

In Somerset, Glastonbury has also been named as one of the towns to benefit from the fund.

Minister for Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Jake Berry added: “We’re leaving the European Union on October 31 and investing back into places like Bridgwater and Glastonbury to ensure they can prosper as part of our determination to level up our regions and unite the country."

A spokesman for Sedgemoor District Council said: "Sedgemoor District Council is delighted to learn that Bridgwater could potentially benefit from a share of the £3.6 billion Towns Fund.

"The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, has informed local MP, Ian Liddell- Grainger, that he will be inviting Bridgwater to develop proposals for a Town Deal under the nationwide £3.6 billion Towns Fund.

"This fund is designed to invest in transport, digital, skills, culture and to boost productivity and sustainably raise living standards.

"The town of Bridgwater is one of the 100 places chosen by the government to work to understand the local assets of towns and to understand the challenges they face. "

"This additional money would help support the wider regeneration work already underway to the recent works in Bridgwater."

The Government will soon publish a guide through the process and set eligibility criteria for funding.

Ian Liddell-Grainger, Conservative MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, said he had little doubt Sedgemoor Council would be putting forward the strongest possible case for funding.

“I am delighted that Bridgwater has found itself on the Government’s list,” he said.

“In one way, of course, it is a disappointment because it officially acknowledges that the town has problems and still needs help over and above the huge levels of investment that we have already seen.

“But on another level it is the best possible news that Bridgwater could have because the Government has not simply recognised that it’s in need of help – it is ready to provide it."