Market towns programme update at Longden LJC meeting

Members of the public who attended the Longden, Ford and Rea Valley Local Joint Committee (LJC) meeting on Wednesday 26 October 2011 were updated on the Market Towns Revitalisation Programme.

The second round of the Rural Challenge Fund is asking for expressions of interest to be completed by Wednesday 30 November 2011.  If your community has a project idea that will have economic benefits for the area please contact your community action officer for more information.

Matters raised by members of the public included what steps Shropshire Council were taking to influence central government to support entrepreneurs and small businesses.  It was also suggested that parish councils need to consider what they do as their roles change and Government expectations increase, in order to deliver services more effectively.  

The committee also supported applications for funding from the Longden Over 60s Club, Pontesbury Sports Association, and the Ford and district branch of The British Legion.

 Having received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the young people that were supported by the youth transport scheme that ran over the summer holidays, the committee agreed to continue this initiative for the Christmas period.  Young people aged between 14 and 17 years old who live in the LJC area will be eligible for this scheme.

For more information please contact Rachel Johnson, the community action officer on 01743 252483 or rachel.johnson@shropshire.gov.uk.

Shropshire Councillor Tudor Bebb said:

“It is wonderful to see members of the public getting involved with our meetings.  In my opinion the Market Towns Revitalisation Programme has already been great for Pontesbury and Minsterley.  The first Rea Valley local produce market, which was supported by the programme, was held on 30 October, and was hugely successful with every producer wanting to return for the Christmas market on 11 December and many new stallholders expressing an interest in attending.”