23rd November 2007, 07/408
Plans to boost the economy
West Lancashire has signed up to a major economic development
plan worth billions for Lancashire.
As part of the Lancashire Economic Partnership's latest three-year
strategic investment plan, West Lancashire District Council was
invited to submit its own inspirational projects to be added to the
overall proposals put forward to the North West Development
Agency.
So from now until 2011 West Lancashire is estimating that up to £15
million will be used within the district to boost the rural
economy, exploit emerging business sectors and regenerate
Skelmersdale.
The plans comprise a mixture of existing and new projects and the
delivery of these ambitious proposals rest partly on attracting
external public funding from UK or European sources, together with
private investment.
Some of the new projects that West Lancs would like to implement
include additional elements to the successful Inspire programme,
such as redevelopment of brownfield sites in rural areas to provide
premises suitable for high-value, knowledge-driven business
investment. Further Skelmersdale town centre enhancements are also
being sought to complement the major re-development work. A major
programme of industrial estate re-modelling is also planned, as
well as a number of new business support measures, including
continuing ICT cluster development and initiatives aimed at
improving local skills and tackling worklessness.
Another initiative in the pipeline is to develop and implement a
West Lancashire Rural Economy Action Plan.
Cllr Ian Grant, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Planning,
said: "We boast a vibrant and growing tourism sector and have lots
of unique assets in West Lancashire. Our rural beauty, diversity of
industries mixed with an abundance of historical landmarks and
contemporary new developments, makes for an interesting place to
live, work and visit. We have lots of ambitious plans for the
future to ensure that we create a thriving economy."
To find out more about the Council's economic regeneration or
business support projects, contact 01695 577177, email info.edu@westlancsdc.gov.uk
or visit the Enterprising section.
Related information
> Council
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