WALLASEY MP and Environment Minister Angela Eagle is calling on Wirral organisations with ideas for economic development on Merseyside to apply for European funding.

Said Ms Eagle: "With just over two years to go, Merseyside's Objective One partnership is keen to ensure that the remaining resources are targeted to maximum effect.

"The programme is developing well and much of the funding has now been committed, but there is still time to encourage good ideas and projects that can take full advantage of the opportunities of Objective One."

Outline bids or ideas for European Regional Development Fund projects should, if possible, be made before the end of 1997. This will enable partners to take stock of progress to date and decide where the remaining funding can be spent most effectively.

Partners are particularly keen to receive proposals in the following areas: development of clean technology, increasing environment awareness, technology transfer and the information society.

European grants are less likely to be available for projects in other areas of activity, but strong applications offering good economic outputs are still welcome.

Arrangements are being drawn up to invite further European Social Fund projects, which can help meet training needs, for 1998. Bids to provide training in new technologies, environmental skills and in the media, cultural and tourism industries will be particularly welcome.

The Objective One Secretariat in the Government Office for Merseyside can explain the requirements for a bid and provide guidance on how a bid should be submitted. For bid advice, contact Lynne Norman on 224-6445.

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