£110,000 Cash Boost for South London Partnership

An extra £110,000 is to be pumped into South London thanks to a cash injection from the London Development Agency (LDA). The money has been awarded to economic partnerships in the region.

£50,000 goes to the London Wandle Valley Partnership and £60,000 to the South London Economic Development Agency (SLEDA). The cash will be used to help the partnerships improve and extend their work with business, voluntary groups and public agencies.

The London Wandle Valley Partnership will be developing a website providing online socio-economic data to support partnership working and better networking between its voluntary sector, local authority and business members. SLEDA will be strengthening relationships with partners including the Small Business Service, the Learning and Skills Council and the South London Chamber of Commerce.

The funding forms part of a package designed to support partnerships working at "sub-regional" level. "Every part of London is different, with its own particular needs," said LDA vice-chair Len Duvall. "We want to ensure that there are effective partnerships working together across the community in South London to bring people together to discuss important issues and work with us for the overall economic development of London. This financial support is an important part of that process."

Geoff Timbrell, Chief Executive of SLEDA, welcomed the LDA's decision: "We appreciate the funding and endorsement of our activities. The support will help key public and private groups work more effectively together, improving the economic prospects of South London and helping deliver, at sub regional level, the LDA's economic development, transport and spatial development strategies".

Ends

Notes to Editors:
For these purposes South London sub-region comprises the London boroughs of Richmond Upon Thames, Merton, Sutton, Croydon and Bromley. The LDA is the Regional Development Agency for London and one of the four functional bodies of the Greater London Authority. Established in July last year, it is responsible for: - Furthering the economic development and regeneration of London - Promoting business efficiency, investment and competitiveness in London - Promoting employment in London - Enhancing and developing the skills of local people and - Contributing to sustainable development.