Communities and businesses benefitting from Newark and Sherwood District Council funding through UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Communities and businesses across the district are benefiting from a series of projects funded by the district council.

In December last year, Newark and Sherwood District Council secured £3.29m from central government UK Shared Prosperity Fund to improve businesses and communities over a three-year period.

The projects are aimed at improving skills, supporting businesses and providing new opportunities for residents as part of the first year of the funding.

A further £891k of capital funding through the Rural England Prosperity Fund was confirmed for the district in April this year to address challenges and opportunities for rural areas.

Councillor Paul Peacock, leader of the council said: “It’s brilliant seeing all of the great projects and programmes we’ve been able to support with UK Shared Prosperity Funding and the difference it is making to local communities and to businesses.”

“These programmes have provided opportunities for our local residents to learn new skills, improve local green spaces, grow their business and help with challenges related to the cost-of-living crisis.”

More than 150 residents took part in projects focused on volunteering and achieving new skills led by partners including Newark and Sherwood CVS, Volunteer it Yourself and YMCA Newark and Sherwood.

This included the expansion of the Door 2 Door service, the launch of the Adventure Guides programme encouraging local communities to improve green spaces whilst learning new skills, and the creation of an outdoor garden and learning space at Newark Orchard school.

The District Council also worked with local food clubs and the Citizens Advice Bureau as part of the response to the cost-of-living crisis.

During a three-month period, over 800 residents have accessed support through UKSPF funded initiatives that aim to combat food and fuel poverty.

A volunteer at Edwinstowe Food Hub, said: “The support we’ve been able to provide thanks to Newark and Sherwood District Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has been incredibly important.

“With this support, we have been able to continue to help the people in Edwinstowe in need due to the cost of living. It’s been a real benefit to the local community in Edwinstowe.”

Throughout the next two years, the District Council and a number of organisations will deliver a variety of projects to support the growth of businesses and communities in the district.