Rural South Ayrshire areas get £3.8m Euro aid

Oct 17 2008

RURAL communities are being given a multi-million pound cash boost.

The £3.8 million given to South Ayrshire Council will help develop opportunities for keeping and attracting young people to rural areas.

The cash, from a European funding programme, will also aim to create nature based projects.

Alec Oattes, chair of South Ayrshire Council’s rural panel, says the money will make a real difference.

He added: “I’m delighted that rural areas are hitting the headlines with such positive news.

“This funding will allow small-scale projects to make a valuable and sustainable difference to community development in the widest possible sense.”

The money comes from LEADER, a European funding programme aimed at promoting economic and community development within rural areas.

It is delivered through a local action group, made up of partners from several public and private organisations.

Council leader Hugh Hunter has also expressed his delight at the news.

He said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to drive forward a truly community centred approach to rural development across Ayrshire.

“It will encourage innovative and sustainable projects that will directly benefit rural communities and we have worked hard to create opportunities for those who live in rural areas.

“This is another sign that our commitment is bearing fruit.”