Local Tourism projects – don’t miss out on grants!

Pendle Council is helping to spread the word about more grants available in rural parts of Pendle.

This time, funding is available from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) for projects which improve Pendle's tourism in our rural areas.

Tourism businesses, social enterprises (delivering tourism-related services), people setting up new tourism initiatives and farmers participating in Higher Level Stewardship can apply.

The RDPE are particularly keen to hear from people with food-related tourism initiatives, but other types of tourism schemes will also be considered.

They're also interested in existing schemes which are interested in joining together to improve their offering.

You can apply for a grant for many things including set-up costs (not including buying land or buildings), marketing and technical support.

There are many other things the funding will also cover.

You can get full details from Rick Patterson at Lancashire Economic Partnership on 01254 300496 / 07875 185533 or rpatterson@lancashire-ep.org.uk

Kelly Eardley, Pendle Council's Business Support & Development Officer, explained:

"Applications for grants should be for a minimum of £5,000.

"If you're interested, you'll need to submit your expression of interest form to Lancashire Economic Partnership before 24 September 2010."

Kelly added:

"If you need help completing the form, I'll be happy to assist.

"Please contact me on 01282 661679."

Pendle Council's Leader, Councillor Mike Blomeley, who also leads on Economic Development, said:

"Tourism in Pendle is worth £77m to the local economy and in these challenging times, I welcome this help for our tourism businesses.

"If you think your tourism project could benefit, please don't delay - get in touch with Rick Patterson to let him know you're interested."