Grant aid is available for new projects in the borough of Barrow, particularly for those that could create extra jobs.

The Barrow economic initiatives fund, set up by Cumbria County Council's Barrow local committee, has £75,000 to help projects. The fund can be used to support business start-ups, research and study, training and the development of existing services and facilities.

The economic fund stood at only £25,000 last year but the Barrow local committee has recently secured £50,000 match-funding from the Furness Strategic Partnership's neighbourhood renewal fund.

Chairman of Barrow local committee Alan Nicholson said: "We are pleased to be in a position to offer considerably more help to small to medium-size enterprises to expand their businesses, expand the services they provide locally, and provide more employment. The fund is very accessible and it is simple to apply for the grants."

The fund was set up three years ago to assist community businesses in the borough of Barrow including Askam, Dalton and Lindal-in-Furness. The fund also aims to improve access for unemployed residents to the job market and aid the small business community.

The maximum grant that can be applied for is 50 per cent of the total cost of the initiative, up to a maximum of £2,500. The fund is limited and applicants are being advised to return their completed application forms promptly.

For an application form people can contact Nik Hardy at Cumbria County Council on 01228-607345.

January 9, 2003 14:30