Longnor in the Moorlands - one of the areas that could benefit

Fresh funding could give extra to villages

The county council is seeking fresh funding that could breath extra life into villages and other rural communities.

Schemes that could be on the cards include villages setting up their own community run shops and pubs which can be double up as village stores.

The rural areas identified are parishes in the west and south of the Moorlands including Cheadle, and to the east and west of Stafford.

The county council's Cabinet today approved an approach that will mean Staffordshire can seek £1.4 million funding  from Advantage West Midlands set aside for social and community activities. 

The scheme is part of a UK Government and EU funded programme designed to improve rural services through community led regeneration. This could include support for community enterprise as well as small businesses and link to tourism and heritage.

Staffordshire's Cabinet Member for Economic Prosperity and Sustainable Communities Councillor John Wakefield said: "We are absolutely committed to helping Staffordshire's communities play an active role in shaping their own futures.

"This project will provide the support for communities looking for new ways to bring cross community co-operation together with business expertise to make the most of local opportunities.

"Cheadle for example is right at the heart of a bustling rural economy, but with one of the UK's premier tourism attractions on its doorstep. The area has just the sort of mix that could benefit from making the community connections that will spark future prosperity and potential," he said.

"It's all about maximising opportunities and services for local communities, while serving the needs of the economy and local businesses too. A lively interactive community is energised to generate prosperity and jobs. That's real rural regeneration in action," Councillor Wakefield said.   

Staffordshire's County Council's regeneration team, together with Stafford Borough Council, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, the Moorlands Council for Voluntary Services and the Community Council of Staffordshire, have already got the go ahead from AWM to push ahead with planning the programme - called "Communities Mean Business."   

Jill Norman, Chief Executive of the Staffordshire Moorlands CVS said: "The next step is to get out into the communities and see what support they need to help them put together projects that can make a real difference in their lives."

Jill is currently chairing the team putting together the proposals.

"We will also be looking to develop a Local Action Group with other councils, rural development groups and community organisations to direct the funds to ensure that the programme meets the needs of the rural community," she said."

Page Last Modified: 21/05/2008 16:00:50

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