Funding boost for Yapton skate park

The project to enhance the recreational facilities on the village's King George V playing field received a 15,000 boost from the LEADER programme towards its 61,000 target.

The scheme provided hard standing, a variety of skate park ramps and barriers.

It was one of 11 initiatives which have received more than 411,000 to support the rural economy and communities in the Arun district over the past year.

More than half the cash has come from grants made available through the LEADER programme to provide a 217,000 windfall.

The programme brings together local farmers/landowners, businesses and community representatives to improve the competitiveness of the rural economy and the quality of life for rural communities.

Norman Dingemans, Arun District Council's cabinet member for cultural and economic development, said: "These grants will make a real difference to our community.

"We encourage local farmers, businesses and community representatives to aim high and this funding gives them the helping hand sometimes needed to achieve success."

The money has come from two LEADER Programmes '“ the Sussex Downs and Low Weald Programme and Three Harbours and Coastal Plain Programme.

Grants of between 5,013 and 50,000 were handed out to local businesses to help them flourish in the recession.

Others benefited included Gaston Farm in Slindon, with a trailer to carry visitors on lambing open days, and food manufacturer Relish in Spice Ltd in Ford where new equipment enabled it to expand and take on more local staff.

The applicants all raised funds as well but applied for the LEADER grants to top up the cash needed to get their projects going.