Newbury MP welcomes Hungerford's £10,000 Government cash injection

The cash will boost Hungerford’s ambition to market itself as a tourist centre branded The Heart of the North Wessex Downs.
The Town Team Partner scheme was set up by the Government to help towns like Hungerford which were unsuccessful in their application to be a Portas Pilot, a Government scheme to regenerate the High Street.
In making the announcement Mark Prisk, housing minister, said: "Becoming a Town Team Partner is our commitment that no town who applied to be a Portas Pilot will be left behind."
Town Team Partners will receive £10,000 backing from a multi-million pound Government support programme to help put key elements of their innovative town regeneration plans into action.
They will also have access to a support package of shared learning and best practice with help from retail experts - through the Association of Town Centre Management - and an online community to receive advice and information.
This means a £10,000 injection and a package of support to help put the town revitalisation plans of Marketing Hungerford Committee in action.
Mr Benyon said: “I’m delighted at the news of Marketing Hungerford Committee becoming a Town Team Partner. This is a huge vote of confidence from the Government in the work being done by all in Hungerford who have worked so hard to get this Government support.
“Being a Town Team Partner is a fantastic opportunity and will enable development in the area. This is fantastic news and I applaud everyone concerned.”
Town mayor Martin Crane said: “As the actual application was made under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce, I expect that further discussion will be held with the town council as to how this funding will be allocated.
“We have approached Action for Market Towns for their assistance in progressing the strategies that have been brought forward and thus some of these funds are expected to be used for that work.”
He added: “It also expected that the town council will now form a bone fide tourism and economy committee that will absorb the council's duty to develop tourism and continue to work closely with the Chamber of Commerce and the Town and Manor, who hold title to many of this town's precious assets.
“Hungerford has, with the blessing of the local Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) assumed the title of ‘Heart of the North Wessex Downs’ and will be working hard to establish the town as a natural base for touring and visiting the attractions of the area that include Silbury Hill, Avebury, Uffington White Horse and so on. Now with the assistance of our MP, we’re are confident that our aims can be achieved over the next few years.