Countryside doubts over growth

Rural businesses are less optimistic about returning to growth than their urban counterparts, a report reveals today.

The Commission for Rural Communities says firms in the countryside may have weathered the economic storm slightly better, and have seen some "welcome stability" return in the past six months.

"Cautious" optimism and confidence has been returning although it is not universal and remains "fragile", according to the CRC's report delivered to Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

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Many tourism businesses reported a good summer and livestock farming is said to be "buoyant", but construction, retail and other sectors dependent upon consumer spending have found the going tougher.

Access to business lending continues to be one of the major issues, particularly for small businesses.