RDP grant helps local business to branch out

A Blaenavon bed and breakfast has become the first business to benefit from a Torfaen Rural Development Plan (RDP) support grant.

Fostering competitive, sustainable businesses and thriving rural communities is one of the main aims of the recently launched RDP, which is run by a partnership board and a local action group, creaTe.

Local farmers, businesses and community groups can apply to creaTe for grants up to £5,000 to help develop social enterprises, including new business start-ups and tourism enterprises.

The first of these grants has been awarded to Paul Williams, owner of Edlogan Bed and Breakfast in Blaenavon, who received £4,800.

He said: "I underestimated how much money would be needed to turn the dream into reality and this is where the RDP grant came in. We were delighted to find out that we were eligible for the scheme as Blaenavon is classified as a rural ward.

"The money has enabled us to complete the repairs and upgrades required to apply for four-star accreditation with Visit Wales. Without the council's free help and advice, the whole thing would have been a lot more difficult to achieve."

The RDP runs until 2013, with the aim of:

• Improving the quality of life in rural communities
• Strengthening the farming and forestry industries
• Safeguarding and enhancing Torfaen's environment and rural heritage
• Fostering competitive, sustainable businesses and thriving rural communities.

The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob Wellington, said: "Through this plan, we can help transform the lives of people living and working in our rural communities, through improving diversity and supporting the development of new businesses.

"We are continually working with the farming community to identify and develop the use of land throughout the borough to help their businesses thrive, while also offering training to those involved."

There are seven wards in Torfaen classed as rural and rural-based business in these areas could be eligible for grant from the Branching Out Fund. The wards are Llanyrafon South, Blaenavon, Abersychan, Cwmynyscoy, Llantarnam, Two Locks and Wainfelin.

This programme is funded through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

For more information on the Branching Out Fund, contact Emma Davies on 01495 742146 or email emma.davies3@torfaen.gov.uk

For more information about the RDP, contact Nikki Davies on 01495 742147 or email nicola.davies@torfaen.gov.uk