£6million Boost For Dorset's Economy

Poole, Bournemouth and Dorset could soon receive a £6 million boost to promote economic growth and create new jobs.

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has been allocated £6.4 million from the Government's Growing Places Fund, to help get stalled building and infrastructure projects off the ground.


Dorset is one of 38 partnerships able to apply for a grant from the £500 million fund which enables LEPs to offer secure funding to local developers, making it quicker for projects to get started.


Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, made up of 15 members representing local companies and authorities, will submit proposals to the Government by 20 December for how it plans to spend the cash boost. This could include bringing forward local development and much-needed transport projects. If the application is successful, the funding will follow in March 2012.


Councillor Elaine Atkinson, Leader of the Council, Borough of Poole said

"This cash injection will be very welcome and will allow us to start realising Dorset's growth ambitions."  

Councillor Peter Charon, Leader of the Council, Bournemouth Borough Council, said: 

"By delegating authority to the Local Enterprise Partnership, it means we can decide locally what projects to prioritise for the benefit of the local community."