Tamar Valley windfall gives tourism a boost
A £2.9m project is all set to provide a massive boost to tourism in the Tamar Valley.
The £1.3m funding from the South West Rural Development Agency (SWRDA) plus the £1.6m expected from local councils and Europe will safeguard the 200 existing jobs and the £8m income currently generated by tourism.
SWRDA agency board member Mike Leece was among over 45 representatives from local councils, including the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, the Cornwall Archaeology Unit and the National Trust who joined a walk yesterday to herald the project's launch.
The group talked with schoolchildren from Bude who were visiting Danescombe Valley papermill and learned about the £200,000 Danescombe Project which has enabled the mill to be restored and two circular Heritage walks to be created on the ancient Saxon battleground.
'We're delighted to be able to continue this good work through our financial support of this new Tamar Valley Strategy,' said Mr Leece. 'The Valley attracts over 370,000 visitors every year, so we shouldn't underestimate the role that its beautiful countryside and heritage can play in boosting the local economy and creating new opportunities for employment and investment.'
Land reclamation officer for Cornwall county Peter Sainsbury said that the funding would enhance the economic and environmental conditions for those living in the area.
'With the additional backing of European funding, which were are reasonably confident we will soon receive,' he said, 'a broad range of sustainable regeneration works will start which will provide new opportunities for local people and visitors alike.'