Funding boost for South Holland economy

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The Wash Fens Local Action Group is celebrating after being awarded £2m by the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) to boost the rural economies around Spalding and South Holland. 

The funding will be used over the next five years to support farmers, micro businesses, tourism organisations and community/voluntary groups to deliver projects that improve economic prosperity and bring benefits to rural communities and the environment.

The successful bid was developed by the Wash Fens Local Action Group, a newly-formed partnership that brings together the private, public and voluntary sectors.  

Lincolnshire County Council is a key partner and will act as the accountable body for the funding.

The county council, along with Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council have contributed match funding to help run the programme. 

Other partners include organisations that represent, farming, the environment, businesses, skills and the community.

The funding has been secured from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) LEADER Approach, an initiative delivered through EMDA and jointly funded by the European Commission and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Gemma Rainsforth, senior development officer at Groundwork Lincolnshire and a member of the Wash Fens Local Action Group, said: "This is a fantastic result for local businesses and communities and will make a real difference to the prosperity and quality of life for local people.

"The Local Action Group is looking forward to working with a range of partners and individuals to deliver projects that will boost the local economy and help to move the area forward"

Councillor Eddy Poll, the county council's executive councillor for economic development, said "This is excellent news and will deliver important economic, environmental and social benefits to the area. 

" In these challenging times, this new funding will play a vital part in enabling communities to take advantage of opportunities to bring about economic growth and improve their quality of life."

Councillor Nick Worth of the Rural Action Zone, and portfolio holder for rural strategy at South Holland District Council, said: "This is great news and a real boost for micro businesses and the rural economy.

"It will provide opportunities for new and innovative ideas and provide much needed support for those in the agricultural industry looking at new ways of diversification."