Rural communities urged to bid for money to benefit their area

Shropshire’s rural communities are being urged not to miss out on a share of £500,000 that aims to boost the county’s rural economy. 

The Rural Challenge fund is part of Shropshire Council’s Market Towns Revitalisation Programme which aims to regenerate and renew the economy, environment and social vitality of the county’s towns. 

Under the fund, rural areas outside Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Market Drayton, Whitchurch, Ludlow and Bridgnorth – along with the remaining market towns – are eligible to submit applications for between £7,500 and £40,000 of capital funding for projects that will kickstart new economic growth. 

An Expression of Interest form should be completed for consideration from the beginning of October 2011 to the end of November 2011. 

Examples of projects that may be eligible for funding are those which keep spend in the local community, such as businesses that can demonstrate long-term sustainability and how they support and provide essential services; activities that directly encourage visitors to an area, and the creation or expansion of a social or community enterprise.  However, all projects have to demonstrate how they will directly contribute to the local economy. 

Councillor John Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member, said: 

“In these difficult economic times it is vital that we continue to support and invest in our market towns and rural communities.  This funding will provide a real boost to Shropshire’s rural areas.”

Anyone interested in applying to the Rural Challenge Fund should call their community action officer on 01743 253077 for a copy of the Expression of Interest Form and guidance notes. 

Applicants are also encouraged to discuss their project idea with their local Shropshire Councillor to canvas local support. 

Expression of Interest forms will be considered on an ongoing basis, and if the activities are eligible and can demonstrate economic outcomes, applicants will be invited to submit an application form with a corresponding business plan and cashflow. 

An invitation to submit an application does not mean automatic approval as this is a competitive process.