16th July 2007, 07/238
Helping the rural economy bloom
Rural
businesses are an important part of West Lancashire's economy,
which is why new plans are being drawn up to give them more
support.
West Lancashire District Council and West Lancashire Local
Strategic Partnership identified there were major economic
challenges facing rural areas and wanted to better understand these
in our District. So they commissioned Erskine Corporation LLP to
carry out a study last year.
Following completion of the study at the end of 2006, the Council
has consulted widely on its findings and recommendations to find
out what support could be given to local rural businesses and
communities in order for them to prosper and tackle some of the
current barriers to future prosperity and growth.
Rosie Cooper MP, Chair of the West Lancashire Local Strategic
Partnership, said: "Businesses located in rural West Lancashire
feel it is a good place to do business and because they play such
an important part within our local economy, we wanted to understand
the challenges facing them and explore opportunities to help then
prosper."
During the study, rural businesses in particular identified skills,
labour, planning and transport as issues of concern for them. As a
result of the recent consultation a draft local action plan will be
developed later this year. Although the formal consultation process
has finished, there's still time for any interested parties to give
their views on the study.
Cllr Ian Grant, West Lancashire District Council's Portfolio Holder
for Regeneration, said: "Rural West Lancashire provides over half
the firms and 40% of jobs in the district which is why we undertook
this important study. This vital information will help us to decide
the best way forward to go about helping businesses and to
regenerate the rural areas in the future. Whilst we have already
carried out lots of consultation on this document, we are more than
happy to receive comments from anyone who has an interest as we
sill have time to take on board their views."
For more information about this work or to give your views, please
contact Steve Bretherton, External Funding Manager, on 01695
712623, or email steve.bretherton@westlancsdc.gov.uk.
The study is also available to view on the Regeneration
section.
This project has been funded by the North West Development Agency
through the West Lancashire Investing in Business Programme.
Related information
> Council
news
> Business
support
> Regeneration projects