THE project to improve Newent's historic town centre has been given a further £72,000 boost by Forest of Dean Local Action.

European funding has been agreed to go towards the work to enlarge and enhance the Market Square and make it a better facility for events in the market town.

Paving will be improved to make it more in keeping with the 1668 listed Market House. The funding also means the town can afford tree planters as well as new brown and white visitor signs to encourage more people into the town. 

The project is also supported by Forest of Dean District Council, Gloucestershire County Council, Newent Town Council and the private sector through Section 106 agreements.

Peter Street, project manager for the Newent Initiative Trust which applied for the Local Action funding said: "The town centre improvements were the prime project to come out of the 2002 Community Plan.

"We are very pleased to be able to have this funding which will be of great benefit to Newent. Events like the Onion Fayre are big crowd pullers for the town centre and completion of this project will add to the town's attraction."

Local Action chairman Bob Watters said: "The European funding is a golden opportunity for communities. We'd love to see more applications, particularly from small community groups."

For details of funding opportunities telephone the Local Action team on 01594 812599 or 812608 or email [email protected]">[email protected]