Proposals have been drawn up for Knottingley, Ferrybridge and Pontefract that will help towards their economic regeneration and a better quality of life for residents.
The new plans build on the existing work that has already been achieved in providing improved leisure facilities, skills, training, and jobs.
Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Regeneration, said: “The regeneration of these historic towns is important to the district’s future success and for everyone who lives and work in them.
“I’m pleased that we’ve made progress in achieving the goals we set out in 2018, but there is much more still to do and I’m really looking forward to what we can accomplish in the next few years.
“We will continue to work with residents, businesses and partner organisations to do more to support the growth and prosperity of the towns and attract more investment into Knottingley, Ferrybridge and Pontefract.”
Since 2018, 31 projects have been completed in Pontefract and, from 2019, 82 in Knottingley and Ferrybridge.
The completion of most of the targets led the Council to undertake a review, in consultation with local organisations and partners, and decide on other priorities that would transform the towns.
Improving road safety outside primary schools, implementing works to Monkhill station, and supporting the growth of tourism in the towns are just some of the new targets in the new action plans.
£170,000, from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund, has already been allocated to new schemes in the plan for Knottingley and Ferrybridge.
A number of projects will benefit, including upgrading the Great North Road underpass in Ferrybridge and improvements to the play equipment at Simpson Lane on the Warwick estate.
In Pontefract, the Council is working with Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, alongside other organisations including WYCA, Homes England and Historic England, to find a new use for the 19th century Old Dispensary and secure the future of the Hermitage.
Planning guidelines that will shape the built environment in Knottingley and Ferrybridge are also set to be approved, alongside the action plans, by Cabinet members at their next meeting on Tuesday 12 December.
