Vital Community Cash Secured for Gamesley

Gamesley has been named one of ten priority areas across the East Midlands set to benefit from a new £3 million Community Development Fund, launched by Labour’s East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward.

Minister Jim McMahon, Mayor Claire Ward and High Peak MP Jon Pearce at launch. Credit: EMCCA

The Mayor’s Community Development Fund, announced on Thursday (4 September) in Gamesley alongside Minister for Local Government and English Devolution Jim McMahon and High Peak MP Jon Pearce, will run for three years and is designed to tackle deprivation and improve lives across the region.

The scheme will be led by local community champions, ensuring funding decisions are shaped by those who best understand their area’s needs. It echoes the Labour Government’s Plan for Change, pledging to break down barriers of opportunity and ensure every community has the tools to thrive.

Jon Pearce MP said:

This investment is fantastic news for Gamesley, which for far too long has been forgotten and denied its fair share. Gamesley faces some of the greatest health inequalities and is one of the most deprived areas in the High Peak and Derbyshire – yet it remains rich in community spirit and resilience.

I’ve been proud to work alongside local residents, councillors and the team at Gamesley Community Centre to safeguard its future, and I know how important this funding from our Labour Mayor will be in giving people the facilities, services and opportunities they deserve.

With nearly £200,000 from EMCCA, backed by the local voluntary sector, council and Government, our community can build on its strengths and create a brighter, fairer future for all children and families.

Mayor Claire Ward said:

The aim of this fund is to ensure that 10 priority areas across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire will have the opportunity to thrive. This is about giving these areas the confidence, tools and support they need to take control of their future.

We’re not here to impose solutions from the top down. I want local people to tell me what they need. They already have the strength and creativity; this is about helping them to grow.

I look forward to delivering this money and demonstrating the positive change that a Labour Mayor is making in the East Midlands.

Jim McMahon, Jon Pearce and Claire Ward. Credit: EMCCA

Groups in Gamesley can now register with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) for funding, with a particular focus on projects that revitalise community spaces, promote skills and employment, support health and wellbeing, and celebrate local heritage.

Priority Areas

The 10 areas set to benefit as a priority from the scheme are:

• Arboretum (Derby City)

• Bestwood (Nottingham City)

• Cotmanhay (Erewash, Derbyshire)

• Dales (Nottingham City)

• Gamesley (High Peak, Derbyshire)

• Leamington (Ashfield, Nottinghamshire)

• Normanton (Derby City)

• Shirebrook North (Bolsover, Derbyshire)

• Warsop Parish (Mansfield, Nottinghamshire)

• Worksop South-East (Bassetlaw, Nottinghamshire)