Lancashire’s rural businesses to get £4.65m boost

Lancashire County Council has been awarded £4.65 million to help support businesses and organisations in rural areas.
Marcus JohnstoneMarcus Johnstone
Marcus Johnstone

The leader programme 2015-20 is concentrated on helping in six main areas:

- support to increase farm productivity

- support for small businesses and farm diversification

Marcus JohnstoneMarcus Johnstone
Marcus Johnstone

- support for rural tourism

- provision of rural services

- support for agricultural and heritage activity

- support for increasing forestry production.

The programme will been split into three rural areas, each overseen by a Local Action Group. They are Lancashire North and Bowland, which will get £1.634m, Lancashire West getting £1.563m and Lancashire Pennine Moors getting £1.430m.

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County Coun Marcus Johnstone said: “Rural businesses and organisations can benefit from a total of £3.6 million towards capital investments, including refurbishment of buildings and capital equipment. Priority will be given to those businesses creating jobs and growth.”

Part of the total amount has been set aside for administration costs.

LCC ran a previous LEADER programme from 2007 to 2013. Companies that benefitted include Canal Boat Cruises in Hoghton, Dewlay Cheese in Garstang and Woods Farm Shop in Little Hoole.

It is funded by the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.