£2 MILLION OBJECTIVE ONE BACKING FOR MAJOR PROJECT TO ‘REJUVENATE’ ST JUST

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St Just and nearby Pendeen village in Penwith are set for a £4 million boost to community, heritage and environmental facilities as the Objective One programme this week confirmed a £2 million contribution to a far-reaching regeneration project.

Among the key features of the St Just Heritage Area Regeneration Project are:

The wide ranging partnership which has drawn up this blueprint for a brighter future comprises Cornwall County Council, Government Office for the SW, SW Regional Development Agency, Penwith District Council, National Trust, County Environmental Trust, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, English Heritage, Western Power Distribution, St Just Town Council and Pendeen Residents Association.

The 3-year project itself will create over 70 temporary jobs, but the longer term aim is to create or safeguard 177 permanent local jobs in one of the areas of the country worst hit by unemployment. (Penwith and the Isles of Scilly were within the top twenty unemployment travel-to-work areas in England from January to May 2002).

Major infrastructure works, like those planned for St. Just, will be carried out in the winter season to minimise disruption to local businesses.

A public exhibition for the St Just Heritage Regeneration Project will be held in St Just on January 20th 2003.

County Council Head of Environment and Heritage Mike Hawkey says, “This is an exciting and ambitious project being delivered by the County Council with the support of many partner organisations and individuals. But it is local ownership and involvement that will be the key to its eventual success, so we will consult widely throughout to ensure the best possible end result.”

Stephen Bohane of the South West Regional Development Agency says, “The South West RDA recognises the real economic problems of west Penwith and is pleased to invest in a project which will help to create and preserve jobs, as well as improving the environment for local people and visitors.”

Hudson Smith, Chairman of Penwith District Council’s Social, Economic and Environment Committee, says, “We welcome this funding. It is vital that the area receives help, and it is an opportunity to capitalise on our heritage for future generations to enjoy.”

Sandy Angove, Chair of the Penwith Integrated Area Partnership Board and the Lands End Peninsula Forum, says, “The area will, of course, welcome this much needed investment. More importantly, the IAP Board are delighted that Cornwall County Council have pledged to place effective community participation at the heart of their proposals. Local people have a vital part to play in the process.”

Carleen Kelemen, Objective One Programme Director, says, “Objective One are delighted to be involved in such an important project for West Penwith. This integrated approach to local needs will improve the area for the benefit of local residents and make West Penwith, St Just and Pendeen Village more attractive places for tourists to visit, securing vital tourist spend whilst creating and safeguarding much needed local jobs.”