SMALL businesses in Blackpool are set to be given a major boost under a Government scheme to tackle social deprivation and unemployment.

The town has been earmarked for assisted area status, which would entitle companies to bid for grants to improve local employment prospects.

Proposals for granting the resort tier three Enterprise Grant level status have been submitted to the European Commission and Blackpool Council chiefs hope that they will be approved in the next few weeks.

If the plans are given the green light, then Blackpool-based companies which employ up to 250 people will be able to grab a share of the funds in the Enterprise Grants pool.

The Government has announced the proposals as part of a £25 million regeneration package aimed at boosting the economies of Britain's seaside resorts.

Joan Humble, MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, welcomed the move: "I receive many approaches from small businesses and hotels who would like to upgrade their facilities, but don't have the money to do so.

"The Government has recognised this and has made grants available to improve the quality of service which these businesses can provide.

"At the last election there were many new MPs elected to represent seaside towns. We've grouped together to make ministers aware of the issues affecting these resorts, such as the changing nature of domestic tourism.

"The concerns affecting seaside towns are similar across the country, whether you go to Blackpool, Scarborough or Great Yarmouth."

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