Garstang & District Partnership
GDP HISTORY
Garstang & District Partnership is a limited company tasked with delivering the Market Towns Initiative here in Garstang and her hinterlands. The concept of the Market Towns Initiative is to develop local solutions to local problems working in partnerships with representatives from the voluntary sector, service providers, schools and colleges, business groups and local government.
Community participation is a key element in the Market Towns Initiative as detailed local knowledge and skills are essential in addressing highly localised issues. Part of this work was undertaken through the 2004 Healthcheck and as a result the MTI Action Plan was born. In 2004 GDP were granted £1m from NWDA to help deliver identified actions, taken from the plan, by March 2009.
WHAT GDP ARE HERE TO DO
GDP are here to deliver the MTI action plan. This consists of a series of projects and initiatives aimed at supporting those that live and work within the market town. GDP is made up of a number of directors (from the original Area Partnership Steering Groups) and interested parties (a list can be found by clicking here). GDP employs staff and works with Wyre Borough Council to help deliver projects and to manage the projects and the funding programme.
CURRENT PROJECTS
GDP are currently working on delivering town centre improvements including a town trail, visitor signage, shop front improvements and provision for a new community centre. We continue to support local festivals including arts week and the food festival and support local businesses through the local produce guide, business advice service and work related training. For our latest newsletter please click here (pdf).
WHAT HAVE WE SPENT
GDP were awarded £1,000,000 of which 5% (£50,000) went as a management and administration fee to our accountable body, Wyre Borough Council. Since March 2005 GDP have spent £901,191. We are now into our final year of funding and examples of projects we have supported are:
- Discretionary Fund: £99,500 to help 25 different community projects
- Shopfront Improvement Scheme: £32,000 to help spruce up the High Street
- Children's Centre: £225,000 towards a new rural facility
- Coach Parking: £32,000 on a new coach park for Garstang
- Energy Efficiency: £31,000 for green measures in community buildings
- Business (Tourism) Grants: £16,000 towards upgrading Garstang's accommodation
- Tourism support: £73,132 for festivals, events officer and marketing support
- Village Halls upgrade grant: £42,526 to help update local halls
Please click here for a document to show where all our funding has been spent (pdf).
HOW CAN WE HELP?
GDP can help with almost any query- from dealing with it ourselves to signposting you on to someone who can.
Are you a business needing advice? Get in touch with GDP and we'll arrange a 1-2-1 meeting with a friendly business advisor free of charge.
GET IN TOUCH
For all enquiries please contact GDP Office, Old Council Offices, High Street, Garstang, PR3 1FU or telephone 01995 600551 or email gdp@garstang.net