Last updated at 15:55, Friday, 29 January 2010

Cumbria's rural economy can play a key role in Britain’s recovery from recession, the county’s top regeneration chief has said.

Roger Liddle, chairman of Cumbria Vision, told delegates at the Agenda for Change National summit in London this week that the county’s countryside businesses were ready to help lead Britain into better times.

He said: “With Cumbria being predominantly rural, it is only too clear it has an important part to play in the county’s, and indeed Britain’s, economic growth.

“Tourism, farming and renewable energy are vital components of our push to create a diverse and thriving rural economy.

“This is set in the context of the need to strike a balance between removing barriers for growth with protecting areas of stunning naturally beauty for which Cumbria is internationally renowned.

“Rural areas across Britain have faced many challenges, most notably the foot and mouth outbreak of 2001. In Cumbria, a £40m public sector funded recovery programme combined with the sheer grit and determination of businesses and communities have created a strong foundation on which to build.

“A strong, mutually considerate partnership approach will be key to future success, not only in Cumbria but across the country.”

The summit discussed issues facing rural communities and included speeches by Dr Stuart Burgess, chairman of the Commission for Rural Communities and David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce.

First published at 14:12, Friday, 29 January 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk