Wordsworth Trust Funding 'Fantastic Boost' - Farron

South Lakeland MP Tim Farron has described the news that the Wordsworth Trust has secured support for a £4.75million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund as a "fantastic boost" for the local tourist industry.

The Wordsworth Trust has secured the funding to transform Grasmere, the Lake District hamlet which is home to both the Wordsworth Museum and Dove Cottage, where Wordsworth lived and wrote much of his most famous work including his poem "I wandered lonely as a cloud".

The project will convert existing buildings into a central visitor centre, and will allow more of the museum's internationally important collection to go on display. Larger windows, sympathetic landscaping and greater public access to gardens and woodlands will connect visitors with the landscape which inspired Wordsworth's poetry.

In addition to securing support for the £4.75million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the project has also received a £40k commitment from SLDC.

Tim commented: "I'm delighted at this news - it will provide a fantastic boost for the local economy and will further entrench the position of South Lakeland as the preeminent cultural destination in the Lake District.

"Grasmere is a stunningly beautiful location, and it is fascinating to visit Dove Cottage and the museum and to learn about the life of one our greatest ever poets - Wordsworth. This investment will make this experience even better, and will be an excellent opportunity to showcase what the area has to offer and to attract tourists. I look forward to watching this project progress and to visiting it once it is complete."

SLDC Arts and Culture Portfolio Holder Chris Hogg said: "This is marvellous news for the Wordsworth Trust and South Lakeland. The Wordsworth Trust is a vitally important organisation in cultural terms. It is one of the lead partners in the Cumbria Museum Consortium, and significantly strengthens south lakeland's position as the UK's leading rural cultural destination. It is also important in terms of the cultural landscapes and inspiration parts of the LDNPA's bid for World Heritage status.

"I'm delighted SLDC have been able to fully back this scheme with funding and I would like to congratulate Michael [McGregor, Wordsworth Trust Director] and his team and wish them the best of luck for the season ahead."