Huge cash injection for Tameside planned

A cash injection of £41m is destined for Tameside, with two places in line for a transformative makeover.

Both Ashton and Hattersley are earmarked for £20m funding each from the government’s Pride in Place programme. The scheme would see both areas regenerated, bespoke to their individual needs.

The Pride in Place Programme is a major initiative to create safer, healthier, and thriving communities across the UK.

How the cash is spent is up to the local community, so the funding goes directly where it’s needed most. For Ashton, a Neighbourhood Board has been established chaired by Phill Brown MBE – a former Ashton business owner for 25 years and includes representatives from the police, local ward members, education providers, local businesses and the MP.  

With transformational plans already underway in Ashton the new funding will continue this momentum of investment over a 10-year period and supported by a four-year investment strategy. The plan has been informed by feedback from key local stakeholders and community groups.

The vision for Ashton includes:

• Safer streets and public spaces – better lighting, cleaner areas, and more places to enjoy
• A vibrant town centre –shops, events, and spaces that bring people together
• More opportunities for jobs and skills – training programmes and support for local businesses
• Celebrating Ashton’s heritage – restoring historic areas and creating spaces that reflect our identity
• Greener, better-connected town – improved parks, walking routes, and transport links

Hattersley was only announced as a ‘Pride in Place’ in September, so plans for their neighbourhood board are not as advanced as Ashton’s. Two months ago, the Local Democracy Reporting Service went out to speak to locals about what the funding could be used for.

Dave Stanbury said youngsters can be a nuisance around the drive-thru McDonald’s and near the ‘big Tesco’ next the M67 roundabout. He felt a better community centre, rather than just the library that sits inside the Hattersley Hub is desperately needed.

Dave Stanbury in Hattersley. Credit: LDRS

“Maybe some traffic calming measures for boy racers on scooters would be good,” the 67-year-old said. “There is a lot of vandalism and antisocial behaviour around here. They need a proper community centre where kids can go. They’ve just got nothing to do here.”

Hannah Markham moved to the area four years ago. Being only 20 herself, she could relate to the needs of those a bit younger than herself.

“I think we need more stuff for the youth to do,” she told the LDRS previously. “We have a soft play centre but we need more things for the littler ones.

“Skate parks for the older kids could be a good idea because they’re hanging around causing trouble at the moment. 

“It’s out of boredom rather than nastiness.

The local authority is currently exploring options on what Hattersley can benefit from.

Next week town hall bosses will officially sign off on the funding as well as the early plans on what to do with the cash in Ashton. Work is set to start in 2026 for Tameside’s biggest town, with community engagement already underway.

Coun Andrew McLaren, deputy leader and executive member for growth, housing and homelessness, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to continue to transform Ashton-under-Lyne. By working together with local people, we will create a town that is vibrant, inclusive, and full of opportunity. The additional funding for other areas will also really help bring plans to life and there is much more to come.”

Phill Brown, chair of the Ashton Neighbourhood Board, added: “This funding gives us the chance to make Ashton a town where everyone feels proud to live. We’ll continue to work closely with the local community to make sure their voices are heard and shape every decision.”