Northumberland councillors welcome £9m boost for rural economy

An initial £9 million in funding has been secured by Northumberland County Council from the North of Tyne Combined Authority as part of the ‘Northumberland Stewardship and Rural Growth Plan’.

The central aim of the plan is to set out a “fresh approach for investing” in Northumberland’s “unique natural, economic and cultural assests”.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the council’s cabinet, council leader Glen Sanderson – who is also a farmer – welcomed the news.

He said: “I would just simply say that it is brilliant to be able to get this £9 million from the North of Tyne Authority for Northumberland. It will be hugely welcome.

“We need to remember the vast rural population we have in Northumberland and to do all we can to help, and ensure our help can spread out to the most remote parts of the county. This money will come in useful in a hole range of ways.”

Coun Sanderson said that one way the cash could be used was to further develop the Made in Northumberland marketing scheme, which showcases some of the best produce the county has to offer.

The council’s deputy leader, Coun Richard Wearmouth, praised the work of Coun Sanderson in getting the deal over the line.

Coun Wearmouth said: “This council went to the North of Tyne Combined Authority and made the case for it, particularly the leader, who really made sure.

“For all we’re doing for Blyth and with the Northumberland Line in the south east and in Berwick, this is additional cash that is targeted at a really difficult part of the economy to reach in Northumberland.

“These programmes are intended to tackle something that is very challenging. We have thousands of small businesses in the rural area and this will allow us to work with them and create jobs for the rurul economy.

“It is really central to what we’re trying to do.”

The next steps will involve the development of a communications and engagement plan for the investment plan, with a formal launch expected in spring.

The proposals were unanimously backed by the cabinet.