News

Folkestone Community Works

The Government has approved Folkestone and Hythe District Council’s application for European Union funding to help people in Folkestone into work and local businesses to grow.

The council has been allocated £2.5 million of funding by the Government from the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund after a successful bid to be part of their Community Led local Development Programme.

These European funds will be matched by funding from a variety of public and private sources taking investment available to £5 million. This fund will be used to deliver three objectives in the central, eastern and harbour areas of Folkestone by 2022:

  • Helping people into work
  • Supporting local businesses including provision of business space
  • Improve access to services for businesses and residents

The programme will run from 2018 to 2022 and will be managed by the Council. A Local Action Group made up of local business and community leaders will consider and make recommendations on which projects are funded.

Dr Terry Cooke-Davies, Chair of the Local Action Group, said: “This is great news for the people of Folkestone. The Local Action Group has already decided to call the programme “Folkestone Community Works”.

We will be looking for the community to get involved and come forward with ideas for projects to improve community well-being to create new jobs and support businesses in the area. We plan to make the first call for projects in February.”

Cllr David Monk, Leader of Folkestone and Hythe District Council, and representative of the council on the Local Action Group, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to reinvigorate East Folkestone. Officers of the Council have done well to secure millions of pounds worth of investment.”

CLOSE
CLOSE