Special coastal community teams projects are to be set up for Ryde and Sandown, following the award of new government grant funding.
The two towns are among 116 to benefit nationally under the government’s £90 million Coastal Community Fund.
Sums of £10,000 are being awarded to Ryde and Sandown to kick-start the project, and the two areas will also be able to bid for up to £50,000 each from a Coastal Revival Fund to support or restore local heritage and facilities.
The Isle of Wight Council supported the bid for funding and will help establish the process and support their operation. The teams are intended to be partnerships comprising the local authority and a range of organisations from the coastal communities.
The teams will be required to develop a plan for improvements in their area, building on existing projects or starting new initiatives.
The teams will be able to choose their own priorities, but suggested areas of focus from the government include:
- enhancing the attractiveness and accessibility of public areas;
- providing increased community facilities;
- promoting the visitor economy;
- encouraging sustainable use of heritage/cultural assets;
- creating links to support the growth and performance of the retail sector.
Councillor Shirley Smart, Executive Member for Regeneration, Economy and Public Transport, said: “We are delighted that the bid for these two new coastal community teams was successful, and are now looking forward to the teams being set up and getting underway with plans for Ryde and Sandown.
“I’m sure there will be plenty of valuable local input into how these funds can be best used in improvements in both towns, and we look forward to some valuable partnership working in this regard.”
More information on the coastal community grant scheme is available from: www.thegreatbritishcoast.co.uk.
