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SWRDA Investment in Ilfracombe
22 January 2008
It has recently been reported in the local media that the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) is to invest more public funds in North Devon. SWRDA is a government Body that is charged with introducing public investment to help regenerate areas. The Body covers the whole of the south west peninsular. Ilfracombe and Bideford have been identified as areas in which they wish to provide specific support. In particular Ilfracombe harbour area has been identified as a focus for investment. For many years local interest groups and the Local Authority have wanted to see public investment help in the delivery of a modernised harbour.
Whilst the investment would focus mainly on the harbour area it would benefit the town as a whole. The harbour, already popular with visitors where they can see the boats, enjoy the magnificent coastal scenery or the fishing port culture, is deemed to offer huge potential believes SWRDA. The work that the agency undertakes will help encourage further private investment.
In recent years private investment has increased in the town for example with Tesco and CO-OP having both built new stores. Charterwell Homes has played it’s also and invested several million pounds in the town.
Ron Ley director of Charterwell Homes commented “The SWRDA announcement is long overdue. We know Ilfracombe has a great future that is why we have chosen to invest, it is good to know that the Government through this Body recognises it also. We believe Ilfracombe is a very positive place and great community for people to live.”
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