Dearnford Lakes improves visitor facilities with grant money, Whitchurch

Dearnford Lakes successfully bid into the Shropshire and Herefordshire Business Enterprise fund in March 2012 and were awarded a maximum grant of £5,000 toward to cost of creating a robust children’s play area to improve visitor facilities at this major attraction.

The Shropshire and Herefordshire Business Enterprise Fund secured £1,005,000 of European Funding (ERDF), in August 2011 to assist businesses in both local authority areas to implement capital programmes. The aim of the fund is to assist start-up and young businesses less than nine months old with up to £1,500 and existing businesses with grants from £1,000 to £5,000. All funds have to be matched by the businesses 50%. Businesses need to demonstrate how the investment will improve performance.

Dearnford Lakes, now under management of Rob Bebbington, started to develop the site two years ago, with the creation of a lakeside café. “Installation of a children’s play area was seen as an important second phase of the site development” explained Rob. “It was logical to provide a safe play environment for children’s whose parents are attending some of the regular events held at the site, or who just wish to enjoy the peace and quiet of the lakeside setting. Driving visitors into the café is key as entrance to the site is free. The additional forecast revenue for the café has allowed Dearnford to create additional employment for a local catering apprentice”.

Councillor Mike Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth and prosperity, said:

“This investment is twofold, not only has it been designed to attract visitors from outside the area, but it has created additional employment for a local young person”.

Gerald Dakin, Shropshire Councillor for Whitchurch South, said:

“It’s good to see a Whitchurch enterprise benefit from the Shropshire and Hereford business enterprise fund and that it is put to such good use, extra employment is always welcomed.”

Details about Dearnford Lakes and events held throughout the year can be found at www.dearnford.com.

The Shropshire and Herefordshire Business Enterprise Fund runs until June 2014 and holds regular rounds that businesses can bid into. The closing dates for the next rounds are 5pm on the 13 August and 29 October respectfully. To find out if your business could benefit from this European Funded programme visit Shropshire Council’s website shropshire.gov.uk/sbef or phone 01743 252596.