Yorkshire coast projects secure fund support

Scarborough Council was awarded £2.7 million towards the project which will see the market hall refurbished, creating space for 30 businesses, and the creation of a ‘virtual market’ to promote local food producers and suppliers online.

Coun Derek Bastiman, Scarborugh Council portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “Throughsignificant investment we aim to create a 21st Century market place promoting the artisan movement and the best of local produce, creating new businesses and employment opportunities and developing a market apprenticeship scheme for local people.”

The grant was among £3.7 million handed to Yorkshire projects from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund which is paid for from money earned by the Crown Estate from activities such as offshore wind farm licences.

East Riding Council secured £475,000 to make improvements to flood defences at Kilnsea and to offers support to businesses at risk from coastal erosion and flooding.

It will also pay for new signposting and visitor information in Skipsea, Aldbrough, Tunstall, Easington and Kilnsea as well as a study looking at ways of improving access to rural beaches.

Council leader Stephen Parnaby said: “The council is really pleased to have secured this funding, which will help businesses in rural, coastal locations to seize upon local opportunities for growth and expansion and to become more resilient to environmental pressures, including erosion and climate change.

A £455,000 grant will support a North Yorks Moors National Park Authority effort to attract more visitors by promoting the fishing and culinary heritage of Yorkshire’s coastal villages.

The projects it will support includes a new trail in Staithes to capitalise on interest generated by children’s television programme Old Jack’s Boat which is filmed in the village.

Andy Wilson, the authority’s chief executive, said: “This is fantastic news for our coastal villages, such as Staithes and Robin Hood’s Bay and, of course, wonderful Whitby. 

“Working with businesses along the coast the National Park will boost the local tourism industry through great local projects that showcase the coast’s special natural and cultural heritage.”

The ‘Sea Life, See Life’ project will help 100 firms over two years.

Rob Sim, chairman of Staithes Tourism and Business Group, said: “This is fantastic news for both Staithes and the region in general. This will help the continued growth of the tourist industry in the area and ultimately lead to more local jobs.

“As well as making Staithes a better environment for the residents, the whole area will be able to work towards long-term sustainable growth which will benefit everybody.”

Coastal Communities Minister Penny Mordaunt said: “Backing our coastal towns so they can rise up and drive forward their local economies is a key part of our long-term economic plan to secure a brighter future for Britain.

“This money will help create jobs, boost skills and open up new business opportunities, benefiting hardworking people in coastal communities across the country.”