LUDLOW and south Shropshire will get the chance to bid for a share of a £16 million pot of funding.

Projects that will promote economic growth and create jobs across the Marches are being invited to bid for a share of European funding.

Applications have opened for projects that focus on research and innovation, creating low carbon economies and improving the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises.

The three themes have been identified as priorities for funding in the Marches European Structural and Investment Strategy, which was developed by the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership following consultation with partners, the business community and the voluntary and charitable sector.

Marches Local Enterprise Partnership is the private sector-led organisation working with the local councils in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire to help grow prosperity and create jobs.

The region has been allocated a total of around £105m of European money for projects being delivered between 2014 and 2020.

This round of applications to the European Regional Development Fund is offering £6.2 million for projects across the Marches that will support the development of a low carbon economy; £2 million for initiatives in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin and £1.3 million for those in Herefordshire that support access to support business research and innovation; and £7 million for activities that will boost the competitiveness of small and medium-sized businesses in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.

The application criteria are set out in the call templates available on the government portal at https://www.gov.uk/european-structural-investment-funds. There is an online application system.

Prospective applicants are advised to contact the Marches technical assistance team (gary.spence@shropshire.gov.uk, hannah.owen@shropshire.gov.uk or call 01743 252976) for advice and support.