Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, has welcomed the £45 000 given by the Government to regenerate the 17th Century earthwork defences in Gosport. The funding is part of the £36 million given from Cornwall to Cumbria for the Great British Coast. 70 projects, including the Gosport Coastal Community Team, have been granted funds to protect and restore the coastline.
In Gosport, the funding will be used to regenerate Trinity Bastion, officially known as No.1 Bastion, which is now a park and Scheduled Ancient Monument as a designated SINC Site of Importance for Natural Conservation. Due to its proximity to the Vicarage for Holy Trinity Church, locally the Bastion is known as ‘Vicars Bank’. The Bastion was one of four and two demi-bastions built as part of the defensive ramparts that surrounded Gosport town and mounted 14 guns.
70 projects have been funded to help develop and improve tourist attractions, employment and promote socio-economic growth in the area. This is on top of over £180 million invested in over 350 projects so far, and the Government is on track to invest over £200 million by 2020 in the Great British Coast.
Caroline commented:
“Gosport has a rich military and naval history that is integral to our local community. I am glad to see that this money will go to maintaining our history and roots so that our local coastline and history will continue to be there for younger generations.”
Communities Secretary, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP said:
“I am determined to support investment and development of our coastal communities and create an economy that works for everyone as we prepare for Brexit and beyond. All of the ambitious projects receiving funding today were designed and developed by local people who know what will make the biggest difference in their areas. The sheer range of ideas demonstrate the potential of our coastal communities and will all create good jobs, boost growth and improve people’s lives now and in the future.”
Coastal Communities Minister, Jake Berry MP said:
“This is an investment in the future of our coastal communities which builds on their rich heritage and huge potential. The world-class attractions and innovative businesses supported by the Coastal Communities Fund and the Coastal Revival Fund will increase tourism, encourage investment and ensure people thrive up and down the Great British Coast.”