An 'overlooked' Stoke-on-Trent neighbourhood will receive £20 million of government funding.

Meir North has been named as one of 169 areas which will get £2 million a year over the next decade, as part of the government's £5 billion Pride in Place scheme.

The news follows Bentilee & Ubberley being announced as a 'trailblazer' neighbourhood for the same programme back in June. And Stoke-on-Trent has also been awarded £1.5 million of capital funding to upgrade public spaces in the city.

The government says that local people will get to decide how the Pride in Place funding is spent in their area, whether that means improving community facilities, tackling empty shops or boosting skills and education.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council says it has already started working with residents in Meir North and Bentilee & Ubberley to understand what the priorities for the wards should be, although the authority is still awaiting government guidance for the trailblazer scheme.

Meir North Councillor Lauren Davison said: "This investment from the government is fantastic news for Meir North and Broadway. I am absolutely delighted as I know how much my residents want to see change.

"This funding will bring real opportunities to improve the area and deliver lasting benefits. I will be working closely to ensure that my residents' priorities shape how the money is spent, and that it has maximum impact."

Council leader Jane Ashworth said: "This latest announcement for Meir North, on top of the £20 million for Bentilee and Ubberley as a trailblazer neighbourhood, is a major boost and another huge vote of confidence that this city can deliver.

"It will transform our communities and, most importantly, give people a vital say in delivering the changes they want to see."

Residents in Meir North and the neighbouring Meir Hay North, Parkhall and Weston Coyney ward are currently campaigning against the city council's proposals to earmark public open space off Brookwood Drive for 124 homes in the local plan.

Meir North resident Elaine Wright, who is part of that campaign, welcomed the Pride in Place funding and hopes that the council will listen to local residents.

She said: "It's great that we're getting this funding, it's just what the area needs. As a parent, one thing we could do with around here is more investments in parks. We go to Longton Park, but there's nothing in the area like that. Around here anti-social behaviour is a problem and there's always broken glass on the ground. They could also put back the football goals on the open space near us.

"We also need more facilities for older people. There are a few pensioners who live on our street but there isn't really anything for them to do."

Stoke-on-Trent South MP Allison Gardner also welcomed the funding for Meir North.

She said: "This is a momentous day for Meir North and for Stoke-on-Trent South. For months I've been fighting on behalf of my constituents – knocking doors and making the case for why our community deserves this vital investment. I'm delighted that £20 million is now being delivered to directly benefit Meir North. I have long said that Meir deserves more, and I'm pleased this Labour Government has listened.

"I will be working closely with the Council and with residents to ensure their voices shape how this money is spent – starting with a community survey in the coming weeks. This funding must be rooted in the priorities of local people."