Business secretary visits Worthing to support council's vision for the town's future

He joined Labour MPs, councillors and supporters on the seafront on Monday, March 30, and spoke directly to them about their work for the town.

Mr Kyle, who grew up in Bognor Regis, said the council, working together with a Labour government, was starting to make a real difference to residents' lives.

He added: “They've had 18 months of Labour MPs, Labour councillors, working with a Labour government. You can see the impact that it's had on life here. You've had investment into the community here in a way that hasn't happened for generations.

“I've seen Worthing for many decades now and Worthing hasn't looked this good for a long time. The investment that's going on just in the area that we are here is so much to look forward to and that's part of a vision for a better Worthing.

“We are campaigning for a more positive future, a more resilient future for people who live here and live in our country, and one that still has hope and optimism, despite all of the challenges in the world and in the country.”

Asked about what support the government can give to businesses that are struggling, and to the high street to attract more customers, Mr Kyle, secretary of state for business and trade, said Labour was investing in town centres.

He explained: “Now, because we've stabilised the economy centrally, we've started investing in local communities nationwide. With our Pride in Place fund, our investment into local authorities is now rising and we've ended the decline of the past.

“People can start to see that the investment is starting to go into communities and I think people would acknowledge that in most communities around Worthing, that really makes a difference.

“When it comes to businesses nationwide, we are undertaking reforms to business rates, which I know haven't always gone smoothly, but we are investing to make sure that towns like Worthing benefit. Worthing has always been close to my heart, figuratively and literally.

“The economy is transitioning and it is clearly placing a strain on traditional high streets. Worthing has always had the most amazing high street life and centre to its economy but we are finding ways to rethink and support high streets through the transition that they need to take. I hope that people will recognise that these are positive steps forward.”

Worthing West MP Beccy Cooper said: “Regeneration is a key Labour priority here in Worthing and with footfall up in the town centre, it’s great to see the business secretary giving us his full support.

“Once completed this summer, Montague Gardens will give a huge boost to local businesses from both residents and visitors, as will the work being done to protect and preserve cherished assets like the lido and the pier."

East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tom Rutland said: “Together we are achieving so much for our community – from getting the Shoreham Flood Wall built to getting to work on restoring Worthing Lido."

Worthing Borough Council leader Sophie Cox said: “I’m incredibly proud of the work we’re delivering here in Worthing. From providing real cost of living support and investing in prevention, to securing a permanent future for our much-loved pier, our councillors are focused on the priorities that matter most to local people.”

Mr Kyle said: “It’s great to see how our dedicated Labour councillors are starting to deliver real change for residents in Worthing. I will continue doing everything in my power to ensure our government backs local people by delivering measures that support families with the cost of living, heal our NHS, and allow everyone to take pride in their communities."