MPs want town regeneration cash

A cross-party group of MPs is calling for extra government funding to help regenerate a Berkshire town.

The Commons Communities Committee said Bracknell is typical in having an infrastructure that is ageing and urgently needs rebuilding.

Its chairman, Labour MP Phyllis Starkey, wants ministers to act.

It comes as fears grow the housing slump could hit the Jennetts Park development in the town which should see 1,500 new homes built by 2013.

Councillor Paul Bettison, leader of Bracknell Forest Borough Council, told BBC Radio Berkshire he was concerned about construction at the site.

Peaks and troughs

He added: "We are told that work on housing for sale to the general public has virtually stopped.

"We know that they are proceeding with the affordable housing and the difference there is that the housing associations that will own those don't require mortgages."

The site is being developed by Redrow and Persimmon, which have both announced job losses in the last week.

In a joint statement the firms said: "It is entirely inaccurate to suggest that the construction of homes at Jennetts Park has stopped.

"What has to be appreciated is that Jennetts Park is a large-scale development. It is therefore normal for there to be peaks and troughs in construction rates."

Labour MP Dr Starkey says sites like Jennetts Park are crucial to the town's future regeneration and urged the government to provide more funding.

She said: "I'm sure that Bracknell can bring some funding to deal with the regeneration from its own efforts and from bringing in private sector partners.

"But it still has the need for some additional help from central government."