Rural projects get investment totalling £1m (From Daily Echo)
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Rural projects get investment totalling £1m
6:00pm Tuesday 23rd August 2011 in News
Rural projects get investment totalling £1m
ALMOST £1m so far and more to come.
That is how much funding has gone into rural development in Winchester and East Hampshire.
The £920,000 allocated by the LEADER fieldfare Local Action Group to 78 projects since 2009, including farmers, foresters, rural businesses and community groups, has triggered more than £4m of investment in the local area.
And there is still more to be allocated. The most recent two projects to see a financial boost was a rural business Scarlet Bakes and the Swarraton and Northington Village Hall refurbishment.
Scarlet Bakes is an artisan food company based in the Winchester countryside run by two mothers which has developed a range of unique cookie mixes.
The LEADER grant will enable the company to develop its outdoor events.
With its £32,906 LEADER funding, the village hall has got a new kitchen and improved its storage facilities, ensuring the area continues to have a community space and can accommodate many more people.
The Fieldfare Local Action Group (LAG) is made up of local farmers, foresters, rural businesses, community organisations and representatives from East Hampshire District and Winchester City Councils.
The LAG delivers LEADER funding to small rural businesses, farmers, woodland owners and community projects located in the rural areas of East Hampshire District Council and Winchester City Council.
Councillor George Beckett, leader of Winchester City Council, said: “LEADER funding is there for the benefit of those who live and work in our countryside, and who face a whole raft of challenges at any time, but particularly during a time of recession.”
He encouraged all rural businesses to think ahead during these difficult financial times, and apply for LEADER support.
LEADER Fieldfare funds are available until 2013.
To find out more call 01962 848 588 or log on to Fieldfareleader.org.uk.
The council is currently fast tracking applications for grants that can be spent by December 31, 2011 and is holding a workshop to help with applications in the city on Sunday, September 11.
