THE news that Worcestershire has been awarded £12 million to fund capital projects designed to support the recovery is a great achievement for not only the Worcestershire LEP but the county as a whole.

The coronavirus outbreak and lockdown has hit residents and businesses hard and we hope that this new fund alongside our other major projects will continue to support the local economic recovery.

The team are already working with partners across the county to confirm a variety of priority projects aimed at driving local growth and job creation.

This includes the development and regeneration of key local employment sites, investment to improve transport and digital connectivity, skills and training projects to support the county’s future workforce and climate resilience and green recovery schemes to further build the county into a great place to live, work, visit and invest.

READ MORE: Youth unemployment doubles during lockdown

We will be promoting these new projects over the next few months and I would encourage readers to make sure they are subscribed to the Worcestershire LEP’s monthly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss this news as it releases.

There is further good news however, as Tenbury Wells, one of the areas hit hard by the flooding we had last winter has received £4.9 million from Central Government to support new flood defences for the town. The funding will support the use of natural defence techniques like sustainable drainage systems and ground hollows.

This is a key issue and it is great to see new funding announced to improve resilience to future flooding and keep the area moving and open for business.

Stay up to date with the all latest news by visiting the Worcestershire LEP website – wlep.co.uk