PENRITH is set to benefit from funding being given to support the 'renewal' of towns across the Borderlands region.

Through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, £50m has been committed by UK and Scottish Governments to the Borderlands Place Programme - which will benefit five towns in Cumbria, Egremont; Penrith; Dalton-in-Furness, Ulverston and Wigton.

A share of the funding will be allocated to support and recognise the importance of market towns such as Penrith, with plans currently being drawn up as to how the funding will be put to use. 

Cllr Mary Robinson, deputy leader and portfolio holder for economy and enterprise at Eden District Council, said: "There has been significant work over the last year to help shape the vision, priority themes and focus for action - all of which has culminated in the Penrith Place Plan."

Cllr Robinson took the moment to thank those who have all contributed time and effort into the process. 

"We are already driving forward a number of projects as part of the Inspiring Eden initiative including a business support scheme, initiatives focused on improving movement and parking, exploring uses for empty shops and supporting local young people through the Eden Youth Hub based at the Foyer.

"There are a range of other initiatives that are taking shape, and all of these will be pulled together and driven forward through the Penrith Place Plan process and as part of the Inspiring Eden Delivery Programme over the coming weeks and months," she said.

Going forward, the next step will develop an investment plan that will be pulled together with local and strategic partners under the umbrella of the Inspiring Eden Delivery Programme; the Council's initiative for economic recovery and prosperity.

"I see the Penrith Place Plan as a critical springboard to secure significant strategic investment from Government to unlock the full potential and ambitions of Penrith and the wider Eden district as detailed in the Council's economic prospectus Inspiring Eden.

"I'm very proud to have been involved with this initiative and have been very impressed with the passion, enthusiasm and ideas that have been generated by residents, communities, businesses and a range of local and strategic partners," she said. 

The £452 million Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is a regional investment programme jointly supported by the UK and Scottish governments and local partners.