Council welcomes coastal funding

25 Mar 2019 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Northumberland County Council has welcomed the announcement of  extra Government funding for coastal communities in the county which will help create jobs, attract investment and boost the local economy.

Several schemes in Northumberland have won a share of the £2.7m from the Coastal Communities Fund and Coastal Revival Fund.

£396,000 was granted towards the National Bird Sculpture trail at Amble. This exciting new project aims to create a trail of 22 sculptures between Hauxley Nature Reserve and Warkworth and will include virtual reality and  audio installations as well as traditional sculptures.

Julie Aston, Director  of the Amble Development Trust which is leading on the project said:

“This project aims to boost local tourism and we hope it will be of particular interest to people who like nature, wildlife  and walking. It is something new and completely different for the county and we hope it will compliment the existing tourism offer. ”

Berwick Coastal Community Team won £30,000 for an options appraisal for Berwick Quayside.

And Warkworth Harbour Commissioners won £15,750 for a study to look at options for regenerating and finding new uses for an old harbour office.

Northumberland County Councillor Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member with responsibility for Economic Development said: “We are delighted that the county has received this funding to support vital local projects which aim to build on the enormous potential of our coastal communities.”

Jake Berry, Northern Powerhouse and Coastal Communities Minister said: “This is an investment in the future of the Northern Powerhouse and our coastal communities which builds on their rich heritage and huge potential.

“The world-class attractions and innovative businesses supported by the Coastal Community Fund and the Coastal Revival Fund will increase tourism, encourage investment and ensure people thrive up and down the Great British coast.”