Member Article

Yorkshire coast to see £3.7 million boost

Yorkshire’s coast is to see a share in a record £36 million of Government investment to boost growth in coastal areas.

The money from the Coastal Communities Fund will support projects that will create nearly 3,000 jobs and almost 1,500 apprenticeships and training places.

Together, the three winning projects in the Yorkshire and Humber region will receive more than £3.7 million with winning bids from Scarborough Borough Council, East Riding Council and North York Moors National Park.

Scarborough’s will get £2.7 million to refurbish the historic market hall and create space for 30 new businesses and a new ‘virtual’ market to promote local producers and suppliers.

It is anticipate more than 80 jobs and apprenticeships will be created.

East Riding will get £467k plus to provide business advice and support to five villages on the coast to boost tourism and to enhance flood defences, creating or supporting 24 jobs.

North York Moors National Park Authority receives £455k to boost the tourism economy of the coastal areas by showcasing nature, fishing and culinary heritage as well as arts and traditional crafts.

Local businesses will be provided with support through skills development, workshops and mentoring, creating or supporting nearly 100 jobs.

Scarborough Cllr Derek Bastiman, portfolio holder for regeneration and planning, said: “Scarborough Borough Council is delighted with this decision.

“The market already plays a key role in Scarborough’s “old town” providing jobs and services.

“Through significant investment we aim to create a 21st Century Market Place promoting the artisan movement and the best of local produce, creating new businesses and employment opportunities and developing a market apprenticeship scheme for local people.

“We will also be promoting healthy living and enterprise in partnership with the local school. In total we hope to create 30 new businesses and 60 new jobs”.

Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: “I created the Coastal Communities Fund because, as someone who grew up on a small island, I know how much difference targeted investment can make to people’s lives.

“It’s already supported scores of coastal communities from the Highlands of Scotland to the south coast of England.

“Overall, hundreds of communities across the UK will benefit, creating jobs and making sure that some of our most remote and fragile communities share in the economic recovery.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .