£40 million boost for local jobs  

On Monday the Government announced a £40million boost for jobs in East Kent. The award from the Regional Growth Fund will benefit the four East Kent districts, including our own Shepway, and is designed to support businesses, encourage investment and create jobs. I am delighted that the lobbying for this from the local councils and MPs has paid off. This Government money will be used to unlock further private investment and is a timely support for our local economy. I hope that this money can help to improve business infrastructure in Shepway, like high speed broadband; develop our growing hub of companies in the digital, engineering and creative industries; and create more opportunities for skilled work. This investment adds to the £1million Shepway Council has already pledged to support local businesses and jobs. A vital part in any plan to strengthen our local economy has to be the regeneration...