OXFORDSHIRE’S district councils are working together to apply for a share in rural development funding for 2015 to 2020.

The bid is for a share of £138m LEADER funding, which is being made available to help projects to boost the rural economy. Funding will come from the EU and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

South Oxfordshire District Council is managing the bid, which will cover its district, Vale of White House, West Oxfordshire and Cherwell.

LEADER has been running across the South of Oxfordshire for the past five years, providing funding for projects including the Shotover microbrewery and the Uffington Village Store.

Elizabeth Gillespie, chairwoman of the group preparing the funding bid, said: “The Government wants local people to fund projects that boost the rural economy and rural communities and we already have a strong track record of success in this area.

“To help with this bid for funding we would be very keen to hear from any rural business that has plans that will benefit their local area. It could be a project that creates new jobs or provides new or improved services.”

The new bid will submitted in September.

For more information, call Amanda Holland on 01491 823177 or email Amanda.holland@ southandvale.gov.uk

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