Slade Green’s £20 million investment and what it means.

I was overjoyed to announce last week a £20 million investment in the Slade Green area as part of the government’s Pride in Place initiative.

Since being elected as the local Member of Parliament for Bexleyheath and Crayford in 2024, I’ve been trying to put his constituency on the map. I was therefore beyond happy when I discovered that Slade Green had been chosen for this investment.
Slade Green has a vibrant community and a rich history, including links to the expansion of the railways in South East London and the Thames Munition Works. Despite its rich history, I am frequently told that Slade Green lacks the investment and opportunity found elsewhere. Slade Green’s talent should be appreciated.

Residents know their community better than anyone else. I know they’re full of ideas about how to enhance their town. This is something I witness every week as your MP.

But the community needs support to make it happen. As a result, I appreciate the government’s decision to invest in Slade Green in order to acknowledge its true potential.

The Pride in Place program has two critical components that I believe distinguish it. To begin, this is long-term funding, with a £2 million annual investment over ten years. Long-term investment of more than ten years is extremely difficult to locate in today’s climate.

This helps us to effect significant, long-term change in our communities. The second aspect is about providing the community authority, ensuring that locals have a say in how the money is spent.