12/08/08

'Farmers could be saved from credit crunch by £2m funding'

Farmers, foresters and rural businesses could be saved from the impending credit crunch because £2m of funding has been won for the area.

East Hampshire District Council and Winchester City Council have successfully led a bid for financial support from SEEDA, the regional development agency.

The money will be available for projects which will enhance the rural areas.

The funding has been earmarked to support the regeneration of rural communities, develop rural tourism and to help develop skills for small businesses.

It will also be used to enhance the rural environment and enable agricultural, forestry and woodland business to develop.

The bid for the £2million of funding was submitted by the Fieldfare Local Action Group, which was supported by council officers and chaired by Sir James Scott of Rotherfield Park , East Tisted .

Projects which will enhance the rural areas of the districts will be selected by the group and given financial support.

The funds originate from the Common Agricultural Policy, so SEEDA wants it invested in the rural economy.

Sir James Scott, chairman of the Local Action Group was delighted with the result.

He said: “The local action group is thrilled to be one of those chosen to receive this important funding.

“This has been the result of a great deal of work from a large number of individuals, working together for the benefit of our rural economy. I would like to congratulate them all.”

Cllr Richard Millard, Portfolio Holder for Business Development at East Hampshire District Council, said: “I am delighted that rural businesses and communities will be able to benefit from this funding.

“As the credit crunch hits it is vital that our rural areas are given as much support as possible.

“A thriving economy and vibrant communities are essential if the area's valued countryside is to be maintained.

“This award has been gained through the hard work of the Fieldfare Local Action Group supported by East Hampshire and Winchester City Councils. This is an excellent example of how councils are working together with business, community and public sector interests to improve people’s lives.”

Cllr George Beckett, Leader of Winchester City Council, is looking forward to the coming five years: “This money is a real achievement for the two districts.

“Winchester City Council is pleased to be the accountable body for this funding, and we will do all we can to ensure it is spent on really meaningful rural economy projects which fit with the bid’s themes.”

The bid picked five themes under which the money will be spent:

To facilitate agricultural and forestry / woodland business development and diversification
To support the regeneration of rural communities
To develop a quality rural tourism offer
To provide enterprise and skills development for small rural businesses
To enhance the value of the physical environment

If you have a project which fits under one or more of the themes above, you might be eligible to bid for funds of up to £50,000.

For more information, go to www.winchester.gov.uk/leaderfunding or email kcrawford@winchester.gov.uk All potential applicants should note that no funding can be given until the final contract is agreed with SEEDA.