THE SOUTH EAST IS “OPEN”

 
 
 28 March 2001
 
 
THE SOUTH EAST IS “OPEN”
 
Keeping the countryside open is the purpose of a new website launched today by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA).  It will provide the public, farmers, rural businesses, and community groups with accurate, up-to-date reports on the foot and mouth crisis.
 
The site has been set up by SEEDA through its Regional Rapid Response Team (RRRT), which is coordinating region-wide action to revive the rural economy in the wake of the foot and mouth epidemic.
 
SEEDA has set up a “virtual” support network using the internet and email to communicate and share information.
 
Work on a comprehensive Recovery Plan for the rural economy will start soon, with a long term strategy to promote renewed confidence in the countryside once the crisis is over. Among its goals is the revival of the region’s tourism and leisure industries and increasing availability of local produce.
 
Announcing the launch of the website, the Chair of SEEDA’s Rural Taskforce, Kent farmer, Sarah Ward said: “We are responding in a very practical way to the many pleas for help that are coming from all over the South East. Our new website will provide direct, online support and advice for people in this region, and I am confident that it will be well used.
 
“We must safeguard our regional heritage – the South East has a fantastic treasure trove of places to visit which are not off limits because of the crisis. Now is the time to recapture the fascination of our seaside resorts, historic gardens, castles and palaces.”
 
The SEEDA Foot and Mouth Website can be accessed on www.seeda.co.uk
 
- ENDS -
 
 
Chair of SEEDA’s Rural Taskforce Sarah Ward is available for interview – to arrange, please contact Debbie Catt, Head of Marketing and PR on Tel: 01483 484 231, Mobile: 07702 652976.
 
 
 
MF
 
 
Continued,
 
For further information, please contact Valerie Carter, Rural Sector Director at SEEDA, on
Tel: 01483 484211 or email: valeriecarter@seeda.co.uk
 
Editor’s notes:
A network of key organisations has been brought together in the RRRT, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Government Office for the South East, the Regional Assembly, the Countryside Agency, the Small Business Service and the region’s Tourist Boards, National Farmers Union, Country Landowners Association and others.
 
 
(1) The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) is one of the nine English Regional Development Agencies and became fully operational in April 1999.  Its mission is to work with its partners to make the South East of England a World Class region, achieving sustainable development and enhanced quality of life, as measured by:
·          economic prosperity;
·          environmental quality;
·          social inclusion – ensuring opportunities and meaningful employment for all.
 
SEEDA’s five statutory objectives under the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998 are:
·          to further economic development and regeneration;
·          to promote business efficiency, investment and competitiveness;
·          to promote employment;
·          to enhance the development and application of skills;
·          to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in the United Kingdom.