FUNDING for two new projects in Lydney has recently been approved, with £5,000 going to a project to revitalise the town centre, while a further £15,000 has been given to establish a new coastal community team.

A spokeswoman for the Forest of Dean District Council said: "Local partners are celebrating the approval of two separate government grant applications to support economic development in Lydney. The Department for Communities and Local Government has announced a £5,000 grant to support town centre activity, plus a further £10,000 grant to establish a new coastal community team.

"In each case, funding support and specialist advisor time will be available to help set up the community project teams that will need to produce well-supported and deliverable economic plans. This collaborative approach will be aiming to make a big difference for the town as a whole.

"The town centre grant will be awarded by the 2015/16 Community Economic Development (CED) programme and managed by Co-operatives UK. This work will focus attention on boosting the economic health of Lydney town centre.

"Lydney will join 115 other coastal community teams in the UK and will be seeking to increase the tourism and recreation potential of Lydney Harbour, whilst retaining and safeguarding its historic character and structure. Improving facilities and links to Lydney station and the town centre are likely to be top priorities for the new team."

Brian Pearman, chairman of the Lydney Neighbourhood Development Plan steering group, said: "Both of these initiatives relate to specific development areas identified during our public consultation and will enable us to take the next steps in turning aspiration into tangible development for the town - great news for Lydney."

Cllr Patrick Molyneux (Con, Woolaston and Hewelsfield), Leader of Forest of Dean District Council said: "We were really pleased to be able to support Lydney Town Council and the Neighbourhood Development Plan steering group by applying to the fund and were delighted to hear both of our applications were successful as one of the council's aims is to have thriving communities across the district. We hope that through securing this funding Lydney will be well supported as it creates its local economic plan."