Monmouthshire County Council aims to boost the local economy by hosting a road show on Monday, 23rd January highlighting grants available for farmers, businesses, new ventures and community groups through the county’s Rural Development Programme (RDP).
The road show, to be held in Monmouth’s Shire Hall between 2pm and 8pm, has been organised by the council’s Economy and Enterprise division which is responsible for administering the county’s RDP with a team specialising in food, farming, tourism, general business support, heritage, culture and the natural landscape.
The RDP brings an additional £3 million into the county to stimulate the rural economy through projects to improve the quality of life for rural communities and encourage diversification. Cabinet member for Modernisation, Enterprise and Communications, Councillor Bob Greenland said: “We would encourage Monmouthshire’s businesses and communities to look closely at what’s available as 2012 could be the year when Monmouthshire’s Rural Development Programme can help them realise their potential.”
Robb Merchant of White Castle Vineyard at Llanvetherine near Abergavenny said: “White Castle Vineyard has recently been successful in their application for a Capital Investment Grant under Monmouthshire County Council’s Agripreneurial Farm Diversification Scheme. Agripreneurial Monmouthshire is part of the council’s Rural Development Programme and seeks to support farming households who wish to diversify into non farming activities. White Castle Vineyard will get financial support towards the costs of developing a new visitor centre and shop facility. Other grant funding is available under the Rural Development Programme for community based schemes, renewable energy and building conversions.”
Individuals or organisations wishing to attend the road show in Shire Hall may book an appointment by clicking on www.monmouthshirerdp.org.uk or they can drop in for an informal chat. Three further road shows are set for Abergavenny, Usk and Chepstow later in the year.
