FIVE projects which will support businesses and local communities in Teignbridge will be given the go-ahead in the coming months following the Government’s acceptance of a £1.6 million investment plan submitted by the council in the summer.

A Teignbridge Council spokesperson said: ‘With almost £220,000 of that money to be spent before April, priority will be given in the coming weeks to launching the first phase of a new Green Business Grant designed to tackle energy costs and climate change impacts by helping them to invest in decarbonising their operations.

‘Funding will also be given this year to a violence preventative scheme which seeks to address harmful sexual behaviour and exploitation of women and girls.

‘The other three projects will be launched in the next financial year when more of the funding becomes available and will support businesses to secure clean growth and diversity, promote towns and villages to increase footfall and finally strengthen opportunities for local people to experience and participate in all forms of arts.

‘The funding comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund launched by the Government last year as part of its levelling up programme and with a primary goal of building pride in places and increasing life chances across the UK.’

Teignbridge’s £1.6 million allocation to invest in local projects runs until March 2025 and the projects selected were approved by councillors in July.

Cllr Nina Jeffries, Executive Member for Business, Economy and Tourism, welcomed the news that the council’s investment plan had been accepted by the Government.

‘This is good news for Teignbridge in that the £1.6m will enable us to make a real difference over the next three years.

‘By supporting businesses, hard to reach groups, women and local communities we hope to help change attitudes, support efforts to tackle climate change and increase the pride people have in their villages and towns.

‘We will work with businesses and communities to get these projects up and running as soon as possible so we get the benefits as quickly as we can.’