REPRESENTATIVES from West Devon were hoping for good news and confirmation of a slice of a £108 million cake when they met up with European Commission officials yesterday (Wednesday).
Borough council chief executive David Incoll and Cllr Noel Cartwright travelled to Bristol to attend the meeting and both were hopeful that the commissioners would approve plans to boost the area's flagging economy.
As the Times went to press, commissioners Thomas Bender and Philip Owen, were giving their views on the Single Programme Document produced by the Bristol-Devon Partnership to show how it would use the £108 million European award over seven years to improve prosperity and job opportunities for the region.
Issues the borough council felt needed particular attention were set out in the document.
It was in January that West Devon campaigners heard the area was in-line, along with other rural areas in the Devon Arc, for Objective 2 funding — provided 50 per cent funding for projects was raised first.
'At a time when the national economic picture is so good, areas like West Devon are suffering from the decline in farm incomes and loss of jobs in rural areas,' said Mr Incoll.
'Approval will help small businesses, the agricultural sector and tourism with things like an IT infrasture.'
MP for West Devon and Torribidge John Burnett said: 'This significant sustainable investment will assist the area. We are looking at development which will be compatible with rural towns — light industry and green tourism.'