AN INITIATIVE that aims to boost the county’s rural economy has secured a major cash boost from the Government.

Enterprising Communities, run by Voluntary Action Cumbria, is to benefit from £319,489 through the DTI’s Phoenix Development Fund, set up to boost enterprise in disadvantaged areas.

The project works with rural social enterprises, local regeneration initiatives, Business Link and others to unlock the skills and potential of rural communities.

Viv Lewis, programme manager of Enterprising Communities, welcomed the cash injection, saying: “Rural social enterprise is all about economic self-help.

“Throughout Cumbria, local people are getting together to stem the decline in rural service provision and create employment opportunities.

“Many groups in rural Cumbria are running viable, community businesses to deliver a wide range of goods and services, including community transport, childcare, broadband, local food and arts and crafts.

“With the Phoenix money, we will continue to provide a free, accessible, quality business support service for more local groups which are getting together to establish social enterprises that provide business solutions to community needs and problems.”