The document discusses several programs run by Advantage West Midlands aimed at regenerating rural areas, including the Rural Regeneration Zone (RRZ), Rural Access to Services Partnerships (RASPs), the Market Towns Programme, and LEADER. The RRZ allocates funds to projects focused on sustainable rural economic development. RASPs work to improve rural transport and access to services. The Market Towns Programme provided funds for town center improvements and business development in 34 towns. LEADER is part of the Rural Development Programme for England providing funds for social and community projects in rural areas between 5,000-150,000 population.

1. Delivering Vitality Now Ian Edwards Head of Rural Partnerships Advantage West Midlands

2. Delivering Vitality Now What has Advantage West Midlands ever done for us? We care Or Or

3. Delivering Vitality Now Rural Regeneration Zone Rural Access to Services Partnerships Market Towns Programme LEADER

4. Delivering Vitality Now - RRZ One of six zones in the Region Managed by cross sector Partnership Board Adds value to existing Programmes and Strategies Project focused Priorities: A strong, diverse and sustainable rural economy A thriving economy through environmental excellence To raise the skill levels of the workforce and those entering employment; To promote social inclusion and community cohesion by allowing full access to services and opportunities £12m budget in 2007/2008

5. Delivering Vitality Now - RRZ

6. Delivering Vitality Now - RRZ Ludlow Food Centre

7. Delivering Vitality Now - RRZ Home HQ

8. Delivering Vitality Now - RRZ Nexus Small Grants Programme

9. Delivering Vitality Now - RRZ Leominster Enterprise Park

10. Delivering Vitality Now - RRZ Redundant Building Grants

11. Delivering Vitality Now - RRZ Hereford Learning Village

12. Delivering Vitality Now - RRZ Cold War Museum Jackfield Tile Museum

13. Delivering Vitality Now - RASPs Rural Access to Services Programme Covering Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Telford and Wrekin, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Herefordshire Integrate rural transport and access to services Sub regional partnerships Wheels to Work Programme

14. Delivering Vitality Now – Market Towns Market Towns Initiative (MTI) 34 towns benefited over 3 rounds of the MTI Up to £500k to each town over 3 or 4 years Market Towns Capital Investment Programme for town centre improvements extend the multi-use centre concept enterprise and grow-on space Roll out of Redundant Building Grants programme Better Welcome for Market Towns Rural Innovation Fund

15. Evesham, Worcestershire Vision to revitalise town centre and riverside emerged following flooding in 1998 Riverside and town centre improvements have restored confidence in the town Market Towns support has inspired the formation a strong town partnership with active local authority backing – recipe for success Market Town of the Year 2005 in National Awards

16. Uttoxeter, Staffordshire New market stalls allowingFarmers Market to be re-established Development of Dovefield workspace for new and growing businesses Uttoxeter High Street improvements

17. Stone, Staffordshire £160,000 investment to upgrade the physical routes along the canal side and linkages into town thus encouraging an increase in footfall and spend opportunities. Further investment for mooring facilities as part of co-ordinated approach to improve visitor offer.

18. Atherstone, Warwickshire Market towns has supported the town reinvent itself as a “book town” Now has national profile and increased visitor numbers Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme (HERS) will deliver £1m+ investment in town centre

19. Leominster, Herefordshire Megan Baker House Charity providing Conductive Education for disabled children Market Towns funding enabled the creation of a new spin-off business providing care training Generate income for the charity

20. Delivering Vitality Now - LEADER Part of Rural Development Programme for England 2007 - 2013 Focus on social and community measures 5,000 – 150,000 population £10.22 m to 2013 6 – 8 Programmes in the West Midlands Launch at the end of October 2007