£365,000 for three Devon coastal projects

Beer, Torbay and Jurassic Coast schemes successful

Devon's getting more than a third of a million pounds to boost its coastal communities in three separate schemes. They're among 16 projects nationally sharing a £16 million pot to help jobs and growth in coastal areas.  The Coastal Communities Fund has selected 'fast track' projects that are ready to launch.

The largest slice is going to the Jurassic Coast volunteer network, which has bagged £258,526 to create a joined-up network of volunteers and businesses along the Jurassic coast, in partnership with local education providers. It will include an IT platform with training, accreditation, recruitment and business relationships managed by the Jurassic Coast Trust. It will coverx the full length of the World Heritage Site between Studland Bay in Dorset and Exmouth in East Devon.

Alexandra O’Dwyer, chair at the Jurassic Coast Trust said: “Our Volunteer Network project is all about developing the skills and capacity of people and places along the coast so that they can better support the World Heritage Site, as well as boosting businesses and communities.  The Jurassic Coast is a tremendous natural asset that needs to be looked after by all those who use it, but at the same time it also should create opportunities and real benefit for people.”

Grants of £53,000 are going to the Beer coastal community team and the British Martime Federation South West in the South Hams and Plymouth. The Beer project is called 'More than just a beach' . They're spending £70,000 on a project to employ a village commercial manager to develop and organise events and to provide facilities to attract more long-stay visitors and extend the visitor season. It's part of a three-year promotion, marketing and development plan for the village. 

 Torbay's grant goes towards a £178,000 project.promoting coastal tourism.  The plan is to encourage high-spending visitors on yachts to sail from Brittany to Devon. Torbay MP Kevin Foster's welcomes the government contribution. He says: "Our bay is a beautiful place to visit and this funding will encourage more to make the trip across the Channel to enjoy it. The government funding is part of a wider package to deliver this work, helping make the most use of it.”