A successful bid has led to the towns of Lyme Regis and Charmouth being awarded £10,000 of Coastal Community Funding.
The Government-led initiative, which awards funding to coastal areas in need of economic development, has awarded Lyme Regis £10,000 to help establish a Coastal Communities Team.
The successful application was led by LymeForward, The Lyme Regis Business Group, Lyme Regis Development Trust, Lyme Regis Town Council and Charmouth Traders, and was supported by West Dorset District Council.
Cllr Cheryl Reynolds, Lyme Regis Town Council who are a major funder of Lyme Forward said:
“I am delighted that the bid has been successful and is testament to the hard work of all the partners involved.
“The team’s vision is to create a sustainable, high quality and year-round economy, providing relevant skills and employment opportunities for local people and businesses. This funding will help ensure that our communities have a lively, prosperous future.”
One of the main aims of the Coastal Community Teams programme is to encourage greater local partnership working in coastal areas for the good of the whole community. Through consultation and mutual support, the Team aims to improve the community’s economic and environmental sustainability.
Cllr Mary Penfold, Economic Development Portfolio Holder for West Dorset District Council commented:
“We are delighted at this result, which is a reflection of the huge amount of hard work by all involved, and wish Lyme Regis and Charmouth every success in the future.”
Cllr Daryl Turner, West Dorset District Council Ward Member for Lyme Regis and Charmouth added:
“This grant enables our coastal communities to engage in partnership working, initially to create the Team, a vision and a way forward.
“It is anticipated that local town and parish councils will be involved to ensure a cohesive approach and avoid duplication of work. It will enable a start to be made towards much-needed economic development of the area; excellent news.”
The next steps will be for the Coastal Community Team to draw up a plan for the local area as to how this funding will be used and the timescales for when these initiatives will be delivered.
