THE biggest investment in the Tamar Valley since the industrial revolution has this week been announced ? the area is to be boosted by a massive £5.8-million funding package. The Tamar Mining Heritage Project has been pledged around £2.7-million by the Heritage Lottery Fund ? a scheme which will revitalise the economy, supporting 90 local businesses, safeguarding 20 to 30 jobs and creating many, many more. Further cash will come from other agencies. Over the next four years, sites inaccessible for a century will be made safe and opened up to the public, enabling them to enjoy and discover history on their doorstep. The project will mean: l A £1-million facelift for Morwellham Quay l Making safe and accessible old mines in the area, including Devon Great Consols l The first permanent footbridge to be built across the River Tamar since the 15th century l A 60k network of trails and footpaths using old railway lines and Tavistock Canal l A visitor centre in Tavistock l A massive educational and marketing programme l Significant survey work to support wildlife and their habitats, particularly bats, plus the restoration of heathlands. The project has been developed over four years by Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Service, in conjunction with West Devon Borough Council and Devon County Council. In addition to the Heritage Lottery Fund grant, the project has attracted substantial funding from South West Regional Development Agency, Objective 2, the two councils and private investors. Tim Selman, Tamar Valley AONB manager, said: ?This is a massive investment ? it?s really the foundation stone for sustainable tourism and economic growth in the area. ?It will develop an infrastructure for tourism and leisure, not just for visitors but for local people, who are really going to benefit from everything we?re going to do.? Mr Selman said the quiet and peaceful nature of the valley meant developments would be carried out in a sensitive way, yet still opening up massive opportunities. Part of the project philosophy was also to make sure local businesses and producers were the first to benefit as each development was started. He said the programme was likely to start with a new visitor centre in Tavistock and the refurbishment at Morwellham. Cllr Christine Grills, mayor of West Devon, said the heritage project was the biggest scheme ever managed by West Devon Borough Council. ?This is great news for the Tamar Valley and West Devon ? it just shows what can be achieved by a number of organisations working together,? she said. It is hoped the huge financial investment will be seen as a big plus when UNESCO considers the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage site bid during the next year. Cllr Neil Burden, chairman of Tamar Valley AONB Partnership, said: ?This is certainly a day to remember in the history of the Tamar Valley. ?It is rebuilding and returning vitality to the community, besides setting a real example for the World Heritage Mining Sites. ?I am very proud to be part of this milestone, giving the assurance the AONB are delivering to this valley in a special way.? David Andrew, Devon County Council?s assistant director for development, countryside and heritage, said: ?This very exciting project will provide visitors with a world class experience, safe in the knowledge the area?s natural and historic environment is being protected and cared for.? Nerys Watts, HLF south west regional manager, said: ?This ambitious project will really open up the industrial heritage of the Tamar Valley, telling the story of 700 years of mining in the area. ?As well as conserving buildings and their surrounding environment, it will show how this heritage affected the people who lived and worked in the valley, and the impact those people had on the environment, economy and society.?