THE eco-town for the St Austell area received a massive boost this week when it was announced it will receive almost £10 million from central government.

The £9.55m funding, from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG), will support early development work on a wide range of projects including delivering a state-of-the art sustainable transport infrastructure, employment and skills opportunities, a sustainable supported housing project for up to 37 homes and the latest in low carbon lifestyle technology.

There will also be a further opportunity to access a potential £2.6 million for 2010/11 which will assist in bringing forward projects in support of an eco-town.

Graeme Hicks, cabinet member for planning, transport and highways, said: "This is wonderful news for all of the residents of the clay area.

"It reinforces our commitment to put the interests of local people first. The eco-town programme has the funding necessary to proceed with confidence in delivering innovative projects which will encourage behaviour change, skills development and an exemplar supported housing scheme."

Set aside

The cabinet of Cornwall Council will be considering the approval of the funding offer and agreement today.

Across the country the Government has set aside £60 million for the four eco-towns in Rackheath, Whitehill Bordon, north-west Bicester and the Clay Country.

Cornwall Council is working in partnership with the 'joint venture' which comprises of – Orascom Developments, Imerys and the Eden Project – which is a private sector body that will be formed to deliver the eco-town.

John Hodkin, project director for the Joint Venture organisation said: "Having led the initiative which resulted in our scheme being selected by government as one of only four eco-towns nationally we were fully behind Cornwall Council's bid for central government funds to assist with the "kick-start" of the Mid-Cornwall Clay Country project.

"While we welcome the renewed commitment to the Clay Country eco-town as a transformational project, our contact with the local communities shows that there are some key challenges to resolve around infrastructure, and in particular transport.

"To unlock the potential for social and economic regeneration we believe there needs to be a major focus on providing solutions in this area. The funding which has been allocated to Cornwall Council for the initial phase of the eco-town is a welcome first step and we look forward to further funding being made available for such a beneficial scheme."