English Partnerships (EP) has announced a further £20m of funding for its National Coalfields Programme, aimed at reclaiming former colliery sites for use by the private sector.
EP chairman Margaret Ford said: “This additional money will ensure that even more colliery communities can benefit from this programme.
“The National Coalfields Programme has grown from 57 sites in 1996 to 101 sites a staggering 77% increase.
“We are now underway or have reached completion on 61 sites, made a start on five more and a further seven are approved and waiting to start.”
She also announced the approval of £10m of government funding for the reclamation of the 208-acre Frickley Colliery site in Yorkshire.
The coalfields programme can invest “in projects beyond the boundary of the site” where there are positive linkages with the redevelopment of the site itself.
To date, £300m has been invested through the scheme.
References: EGi News 20/09/05
