A two-year rural project has been hailed a success after supporting almost 60 communities in north-west England.

The £826,000 programme supported 57 social enterprises throughout Cumbria, Lancashire and Cheshire.

Many benefited from business support and independent advice under the Strengthening the Northwest initiative, which started in July 2007.

The programme sought to improve life in rural communities, including the quality of products and services available to residents.

It was led by the Plunkett Foundation, in conjunction with the Northwest Rural Community Councils and funded by the Northwest Development Agency.

Plunkett chief executive Peter Couchman praised the outcome of the programme, suggesting it would have a lasting legacy.

“Rural communities are increasingly coming together and using social enterprise to provide essential services, where there has previously been a market failure.”

A diverse range of proposals from community groups from across the region had improved rural social and financial sustainability.

Some 70 were created or safeguarded as a result of the programme during a time when many others were being lost due to recession.

It also led to the creation of £690,000 - £1.09 million pounds worth of value added income for the region.

At the same time, the quality of products and services improved as a direct result of the programme, said Mr Couchman.

Community-led enterprises included credit unions, local shops and swimming pools, as well as fitness groups for the elderly.

The programme also helped set up a furniture recycling scheme and support a horticultural project for people with learning difficulties.

Further details about the projects can be found here.

David Hunter, NWDA head of rural affairs, said: “Strengthening the Northwest made a significant contribution to the development of rural communities.”

The programme had renewed confidence in beneficial and valuable projects. It had also helped make them more sustainable.

A social enterprise is a business, group or organisation set-up with the primary aim of benefiting the people or a community that it serves.

Profits are reinvested in to the business or enterprise instead of going to shareholders and owners.

Northwest Rural Community Councils is an organisation comprising the three rural community councils in the region.

They are Cheshire Action, Community Futures and Action with Communities in Cumbria.

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