HEREFORDSHIRE Council will be investing £6m in projects to support the recovery of the local economy and communities from coronavirus.

The £6m economic and wellbeing recovery plan was agreed by Cabinet yesterday (June 24) in a bid to tackle the significant impact on the local economy and on people’s wellbeing, mental and physical health.

In Herefordshire, many key sectors have been hardest hit, such as tourism and leisure, food production and distribution. Young people have been adversely impacted through the disruption in education and the lack of apprenticeships and employment opportunities, the council said.

The economic and wellbeing recovery plan focuses on four priority areas:

Business viability and resilience: Business support such as grants and facilities will be made available, and there will be promotion of Herefordshire as a fantastic place to visit and shop, supporting the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors, as well as an attractive investment location.

Safe and welcoming places: People will be encouraged to return to our towns and city with incentives such as discounts for activities, enhancements such as refurbished shop fronts and infrastructure for events, and to the wider county with investment in footpaths/ public rights of way and public seating areas.

Support employment: Advice and support for return to work, opportunities to re-skill/ change career path, and find new job opportunities will be available in a one stop shop. A new Youth Employment Hub will offer additional support for young people who are not in education, employment or training.

Support wellbeing: There will be opportunities for individuals, families and communities to improve physical and mental wellbeing, with free events, activities and on-line resources, and enhanced support to reduce alcohol consumption.

Councillor David Hitchiner, leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “This additional £6m investment recognises there is more we need to be doing now to support economic and wellbeing recovery in the county. Our focus areas are based on what our residents and businesses tell us is important and our understanding of what our county needs for a successful and sustainable future.

“The council has already urgently established a wide range of activity to support local businesses and help save local jobs. For example, so far we have delivered almost 20,000 grants totalling over £100m of support to local businesses, and secured more than £6.5m of external funding for a wide range of activities such as promoting tourism, encouraging people back to the high street and offering work experience to 16 to 24 year olds.

“We know how important it is to connect people with their communities and to the wider world and to help people feel safe and supported. The investment, support and activities outlined in the recovery plan help to address the impact of covid-19 on people of all ages, as our communities look towards recovery.”