LYDNEY mayor David Clarke has welcomed the news that the town has become the first in the region to receive major investment funding from the South West Regional Development Agency in the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative.
Along with eight other South West towns chosen to pilot the Initiative, Lydney has been the first to submit a bid for assistance and to hear that its application has succeeded.
The award of £60,000 will provide the tools necessary for the local community to have a major say in the regeneration of the town.
The Lydney Partnership held a consultation event for over 70 people representing the local community in January and the results of the event have been distilled into a report with recommendation on how to help the local community plan their own future and build their skills to address the health and vitality of the town.
The recommendations include the appointment of a part-time partnership co-ordinator to lead with the preparation of a strategic 'action plan' covering social, economic, environmental and cultural themes.