Rural businesses encouraged to bid for funding

Rural community groups and businesses can benefit from a share of £110,000 funding.

The third round of the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) is now open for organisations in the Bassetlaw district of Nottinghamshire.

Bassetlaw District Council says the grants aim to improve facilities for residents while supporting small enterprises in rural areas.

The deadline for applications is at 12:00 BST on Wednesday.

Julie Leigh, cabinet member for identity and place, said the grants were "great news" for communities and businesses in rural areas of Bassetlaw.

She added: “It provides welcome funding to support them in their efforts to improve facilities for our residents and to help businesses with their growth ambitions."

Among the already successful recipients are the Tuxford Museum of the Horse, which is creating a new conference room and Treswell-based Retford Logs, which is using the money for new machinery to produce carbon neutral fuel.

The Friends of Woodlands and Coachwood Green in Shireoaks secured £20,608, which they spent on making car-parking improvements, installing new seating and signage, as well as making further habitat improvements.

Chair Katherine Palmer said the funding had allowed the group to create a Wildlife Discovery Area.

She said: “We hope this becomes a space for people to discover and learn about habitats and species, as well as birds that are on our doorstep and we look forward to working with the local community to connect people with nature."

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