2 weeks Ago
Bolton is to receive more than half-a-million pounds to help the town recover from riots which broke out this summer. In August the town centre was gripped by stand-offs between far-right inspired protests and opposition counter-protesters who were kept apart by riot police in Victoria Square and Bradshawgate. Bolton Council will be receiving a £600,000 support package from the government’s £15M community recovery fund to repair the damage.
Council cabinet member for stronger communities Cllr Rabiya Jiva said: “I am pleased that central government has recognised the local authorities that were at the forefront of the response to the recent protests. “As usual, aside from the minority whose senseless actions have caused damage to our town, the community has come together to support each other. Riot police on Victoria Square (Image: Henry Lisowski) “The funding received from the Community Recovery Fund will be used to support the communities most significantly impacted and undo the repercussions the unrest has created.
“We will rebuild our communities, bring people back together and put a focus on creating a stronger, safer community for people to live, work, study, invest and visit.” Bolton had some of the most high-profile cases of rioting around the country. This was after a group of demonstrators gathered for a self-styled “Enough is Enough: Stand up for Our Country” rally around Newport Street and Victoria Square on Sunday, August 4.
Counter-protesters had gathered on the Oxford Street side of the square and tensions rose after a further group of around 300 counter-protesters arrived from the Queens Park area. Since the outbreak of disturbances, several people have since been arrested, charged and jailed in connection with the Bolton riot. The government now hopes that the new fund, overseen by the Communities and Recovery Steering Group led by deputy prime minister Angela Rayner will help repair the damage .
The group will also be joined by ministers like the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and by the mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotherham. ALSO READ: Police remain in town centre after far-right protest and counter demonstration ALSO READ: Condemnation as law firms listed as 'targets' after town centre demonstrations ALSO READ: Acid attack rumours 'categorically untrue' after social media rumours Similar sums of money will also be going to other areas hit hard by the riots like Liverpool, Blackpool and Hull. The fund will be used to repair damage to high streets and buildings as well as more lasting schemes aimed at improving community cohesion.
Ms Rayner said: “In the immediate aftermath of the unrest, I was heartened to see the extent to which communities so quickly came together to support one another and their local areas. “This new community recovery fund will support the work that is already underway and ensure that communities have the resources they need to rebuild.”.
