Tim nominates Kendal for major funds from government

Local MP Tim Farron is nominating Kendal for a major package of Government support. After the success of the Portas Pilot project the government has created another scheme to try and support local high streets called the 'Town Team'.

The competition to become a Portas Pilot received an overwhelming response, with over 400 applications from across the country. The quality of the bids was so high that the government has invited the MPs representing towns not chosen, to come forward and re-nominate a town. Tim has nominated Kendal to be a 'Town Team' project.

As part of the Government's response to the Portas Review, the government has announced a £1million Future High Street X- Fund, to help deliver a town's plan to revive itself.

Town Team partners will also receive backing from a multi-million pound support programme to help put key elements of their plans into action. They will have access to:

• · An advice line and a network of advisers managed by the Association of Town Centre Management, as well as key informative events;
• · Direct mentoring and visits from a range of retail experts;
• · Regular meetings with other Town Teams to share lessons learned, tips and ideas; and
• · An online community to receive advice and information from retail experts.

Nominated towns will be judged by an independent panel of industry and community development experts, for the inventiveness of their schemes and the impacts they can show, such as increased footfall or turnover, or improved skills and employment levels.

Tim said: "First thing Monday morning I will be filling out the nomination form for Kendal and lobbying Ministers to make sure our town gets its chance. I will be telling them what a fantastic town Kendal is and how with their help and support we can help local businesses thrive.

"This scheme could provide us with investment, expert help and really put Kendal on the map. I'll do whatever I can to bring one of these schemes to the South Lakes."