By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Government Ministers have been asked for millions of pounds to redevelop two North Nottinghamshire towns.
Newark and Sherwood District Council wants £20m of Levelling Up funding for Ollerton and Clipstone
Its plans include the development of the disused site at Clipstone Holdings for business space, improvements to Ollerton town centre, new sports facilities in Clipstone and better transport links across the area.
Proposals also include up to 60 new homes, plus new shops, offices and the relocation of the library in Ollerton town centre.
“The proposal would bring key public services, for example the Town Council and the Library, together in a single, modern and accessible facility, all under one roof,” the bid says.
Sports facilities would also be developed on Mansfield Road, Clipstone, with two pavilions, a sports hall and 505 parking spaces.
Councillor Mike Pringle (Lab) told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the plans were “nothing more than Ollerton deserves”.
He said if the bid was successful, it would create jobs and attract business.
Cllr Pringle added: “We’ve been bottom of the investment league table for a very long time.
“There’s no question that we need the funding, as Ollerton grows into a landlocked, housing-locked community that needs more development.
“Parish councils have wanted to make this move for many years.
“We need to be actively offering residents something different… a direct point of contact in the centre of the village.”
Ollerton and Clipstone both grew and developed with the coal mining industry, in the 1960s and 1970s. But they suffered when their pits closed – Clipstone in 1993 and Ollerton in 1994.
Cllr Pringle, who has lived in Ollerton since the 1970s, said that if the towns had investment, people would be more likely to stay in the area.
He added: “Ollerton itself is marmite to a lot of people – but people that go away often come back here.
“We have a strong community and it is a smashing place to live.”
A recent council survey of residents identified Ollerton and Clipstone as being areas most in need of investment.
Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for Ollerton and Clipstone and I’m delighted to see our proposals submitted to Government.
“These proposals will help to improve employment opportunities in Ollerton and Clipstone and will address some of our key challenges that are set out in our Local Plan and have also been identified through resident feedback.
“New office and workshop spaces in Ollerton and Clipstone will provide modern facilities for local businesses and attract businesses looking for high-quality and energy efficient space, which is great news for those who live and work in the district.”
The council has bid for £20m from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund that runs until 2024-2025.
The £4.8 billion fund supports town centre and high street regeneration, local transport projects, and cultural and heritage assets.
