Graham Watson looks forward to visiting EU funded projects in Cornwall (North Dorset Liberal Democrats)

North Dorset Liberal Democrats <lynwilton@tiscali.co.uk>

Graham Watson looks forward to visiting EU funded projects in Cornwall

February 19, 2009 10:08 AM
Originally published by Sir Graham Watson MEP

Graham Watson MEP with Euro Campaigner Kay Barnard

Graham with fellow Euro Campaigner Kay Barnard

On Monday 23rd February, Graham Watson MEP will be visiting Cornwall to see for himself how the County has benefited from European funding. In the morning, Graham and fellow Lib Dem Euro Campaigner Kay Barnard will drop into Kingsley Village, Fraddon, where they will meet graduates and businesses that have been assisted by the Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) scheme.

Commenting ahead of the visit, Graham said:

"This visit will highlight the impact that European investment is having in Cornwall. In one place we will see how EU funding has helped house and staff Cornish business, and ensure our graduates secure jobs locally."

Graham will then travel on to the River Fal where he will see how the King Harry Ferry, also supported by Europe, is serving the local community.

Looking forward to the trip, Graham said:

"I have high hopes for a hugely successful day in Cornwall."

Editors note:-

Kingsley Village secured £650,000 from Europe to build its Food and Craft Hall. This included an art gallery, conference facilities, a restaurant and a 7,000 square foot space housing local businesses.

One of these businesses was County Confectionery, which has also been provided with a skilled graduate from the UCP scheme. UCP is part of Combined Universities Cornwall, part funded by the EU to the tune of £37m. The project links Cornish graduates with local firms, sometimes contributing up to 30% of the salary, helping to keep important skills in the area and allowing small businesses to grow.

The King Harry Ferry was funded by £980,000 from Objective One. Each year the King Harry Ferry saves 4.5m car miles, 1.7m Kg of CO2, 500,000 Kg of Carbon and 750,000 litres of fuel. 280,000 Cars are carried each year by the King Harry Ferry.

For further information on EU funded projects in Cornwall please contact the Office of Graham Watson MEP euro_office@cix.co.uk.

Ends.