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FUNDING BLOW FOR LYNTON AND BARNSTAPLE RAILWAY

December 4, 2008 12:00 AM

To the disappointment of many the South West Regional Development Agency had made it clear that it will not fund Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust's expansion programme.

'The RDA has not nominated the railway as a project,' states Jane Henderson, Chief Executive of the RDA, adding, 'The Agency's future funding priorities in northern Devon are focused on a relatively small number of strategic projects for economic development and regeneration.'

'This is a blow,' says Nick Harvey, 'the extension of the railway is a major flagship and capital investment project for North Devon. Other funding streams will be available but we had hoped the RDA would lead the way, especially in light of its considerable Regional Infrastructure Fund.'

Jane Henderson confirmed Nick Harvey's funding fears saying, 'RDA budgets are under pressure due to recent budget reductions; in the current very challenging economic climate the Agency is working with local authorities and business leaders to ensure projects we support are those that have the maximum impact.'

Nick Harvey concludes, 'I am very disappointed by this outcome, the railway expansion is assessed to be worth millions to the local community. Limited sums of EU funding may be available via the Rural Development Programme for England, but this is really aimed at sustainable farming projects.'

Notes for Editors:

In March 2008 the RDA announced the South West Regional Infrastructure Fund of £80 million, designed to finance infrastructure projects and to help unblock obstacles that the private sector cannot deal with.

For further information please contact:

Tony Nicholson, L&BR Trust Press Officer

Tel: 01598 752795

Or e-mail: tonynicholson@ukonline.co.uk

Ian Cowling, L&BR Trust

mobile: 07977 481771

home: 01769 550266

or e-mail: ianpcowling@tiscali.co.uk

For information on the Rural Development Programme for England 2007-2013 see:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/rdpe/index.htm

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