A £3 MILLION scheme to boost rural jobs and economic growth has been launched in east Cheshire.


Cheshire East Council, in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council and Warrington Borough and Trafford councils, have announced the official launch of the Cheshire LEADER Programme, which aims to deliver nearly £3 million of funding to rural areas.


LEADER is part of the Rural Development Programme for England, which is funded by the European Union, with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as the managing authority.


The project aims to help create jobs and stimulate economic growth by providing funding for businesses and organisations looking to begin or expand their operations in the rural area.


Unlike other funding programmes, the one now launched in east Cheshire will be delivered locally rather than nationally, with decisions on where the grant money is spent being made by an appointed Local Action Group of key representatives from various organisations in the area.


The action group in east Cheshire will be chaired by Cllr Rachel Bailey.


Cheshire East Council leader Michael Jones said: “LEADER is a unique and valuable funding stream for rural areas and the team is delighted to be able to start working with potential applicants.


“With each area having its own dedicated programme manager as well as a Local Action Group, we are able to provide a level of support rarely seen in other funding programmes.”


The scheme will run until 2020, and the team is keen to hear from anyone who wishes to discuss an upcoming project with them.


For more information, or to see if your project might be eligible, visit the Cheshire LEADER website at cheshireleaderfund.co.uk or contact Sean Bell, on sean.bell@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.