Hopes for more than 300 jobs after £900,000 boost for Furness

Furness has been given almost a million pounds of government money which could create more than 300 jobs. Furness Enterprise has been given £900,000 of the coastal communities fund to support the "Unleashing Growth in Coastal Furness" initiative.
The five part plan aims to create 275 full-time jobs and 85 part time jobs, and will secure the future of Furness Enterprise.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: "There is huge potential in our coastal towns that goes way beyond them only being places we visit for seaside day trips and holidays. We are seeing opportunities being developed all the time by new industries and the Government is determined to help our coastal towns make the most of them.

"This money will help those towns tap into these enterprises and create the skills and jobs that will benefit the whole community. We cannot afford to waste this chance which is why the Government is committed to increasing the fund next year.

"The successful projects in this first round have enormous potential to make a real difference to their communities that will be far reaching. And this is just the beginning with our fund set to help many more coastal towns in the months to come."

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, said: "This first round of successful awards under the Coastal Communities Fund will directly support local communities to regenerate their local area. The fund will enable councils, businesses, charities and social enterprises to create and protect jobs and training opportunities for thousands of people across the UK.

"We are able to announce that the Fund will expand again next year to £28 million. It is right that the contribution these communities make to the development of the Crown Estate's marine assets is recognised and rewarded and I look forward to another round of successful, innovative bids later in the year."