European Regional Development Fund - Community Economic Development

Pende Partnership has been successful in getting funding for two European Regional Development Fund programmes, known locally as Community Economic Developmenmt (CED) programmes.

Pendle has been allocated £2.68m for the current programme which runs from 2002-2006

The money is available to fund community regeneration projects that benefit the five CED wards of Brierfield; Waterside and Vivary Bridge (Colne); and Whitefield and Bradley (Nelson).

Pendle Partnership and Pendle Council have encouraged community led projects to bid for this money and have provided information and support to help potential bidders.

Three CED partnerships in Brierfield, Colne and Nelson have played a key part in supporting the development of projects and help to determine local priorities.

The money available falls into five categories or 'measures'.

MEASURE 2.1: Developing Enterprise and Employment in Communities

Starting and helping community businesses, enterprises and employment, with and for the five communities.

MEASURE 2.2: Improving Access to Employment

Helping to get rid of barriers to learning and employment in the five communities – these barriers get in the way of equal and full access to learning and employment. Helping people in the communities to compete for jobs.

MEASURE 2.3: Developing an Inclusive Information Society

Helping to provide the resources and "know-how" which will support people in the five communities to give and get electronic information to the same extent as everyone else.

MEASURE 2.4: Connecting Communities

Helping to sort out poor or damaged environments in the five communities, through regenerating specific derelict areas for economic use. Promoting the five communities to help create and support jobs.

MEASURE 2.5: Building Economically Sustainable Communities

Helping to develop the ability, skills, "capacity" and knowledge of the five communities so that they can be even more effective in the future.