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Physio treatment down on the farm
09 October 2009
A working farm is not the usual place to find physiotherapy
services, but later this year they will be available at Pamington
Court Farm in Gloucestershire - thanks to a 50 per cent grant from
the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).
"We had some traditional farm buildings that we no longer had a
use for and it was a real pity to see them empty, so the
physiotherapy clinic seemed an excellent solution" said Michael
Hill, who farms the 384 acre holding with his son, Richard, and
wife, Judith.
The Hills will continue to focus on their farming activities
which are mainly beef and sheep rearing, and arable cropping
(milling wheat, winter barley and beans), while the operation of
the new clinic will be handled by a chartered physiotherapist.
"The idea for a physiotherapy clinic started when we were asked
by Clare Woodward, past physio for both Gloucester and Worcester
Rugby Clubs, if we would convert a redundant farm building for her
as she wished to have her own business," explained Michael
Hill.
"Following a successful planning application, it was suggested
by Roger Smith, of Business Link, that we should apply for an RDPE
grant and thanks to his help - and that of Mally Findlater, of
Gloucestershire Enterprise Business Services - this was
awarded."
It is anticipated that the new clinic will eventually employ six
physiotherapists and two administration/reception staff.
The development aims to achieve a very good environmental rating
and will incorporate high levels of thermal insulation, include a
heat recovery system, utilise natural light and ventilation, using
solar panels for heating and rainwater harvesting for the use of
grey water in the building.
Alan Titcombe, RDPE case officer at South West RDA, said: "The
funding will mean that Pamington Court Farm can increase its
income, enabling the farm to employ seasonal labour as Michael Hill
wishes to do less farm work following second hip replacements on
both legs.
"This proposal relates to farm diversification and fits well
with the RDPE priorities of 'Improving business efficiency and
enabling business transformation. It will make good use of sound,
but unused buildings and create new jobs in this rural area."
The Rural Development Programme for England 2007-2013 is jointly
funded by Defra and the European Union, with the aim of delivering
targeted support to rural businesses and communities. It is managed
in this region by the South West RDA, Natural England and the
Forestry Commission.
Ends
Notes to editors
RDPE
The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) runs from
2007 to 2013. It is the 2nd pillar of the Common Agricultural
Policy and aims to support the creation of genuinely sustainable
farming, forestry and food sectors, whilst also bringing wider
benefits for the economy, the environment and rural communities. It
provides the major financial vehicle for protecting and enhancing
the environment and securing a range of public benefits for
society. Defra is the Managing Authority.
The RDPE has three priorities for rural development:
1. Improving competitiveness of the agriculture and forestry
sectors
2. Improving the environment and the countryside
3. Improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging
diversification of economic activity
In this region, the South West of England Regional Development
Agency (RDA) will deliver priorities 1and 3 with a budget of £156.8
million over the seven years. The RDA is also responsible for
ensuring that five per cent of the RDPE funding is spent on
enabling community involvement in rural development. The delivery
partners in the South West aim to ensure that investment in each of
the three priorities will help support investment in the
others.
The RDPE priority for improving the environment and the
countryside is being delivered nationally by the Forestry
Commission's Woodland Grant Scheme and Natural England's
Environmental Stewardship Scheme. In addition, a minimum of 5% of
the programme will be delivered through a local community-led
approach.
The aims, objectives and priorities for delivering RDPE in South
West England were agreed for the socio-economic investments with
regional partners and these are set out in the Regional
Implementation Plan. On the basis of a thorough analysis of South
West England's rural characteristics and economy, the Plan sets out
eight themes:
i. Skills development
ii. Social enterprise
iii. Business support
iv. Supply chain and adding value
v. Resource management (soil, water, energy, waste)
vi. Sustainable rural tourism
vii. Biodiversity and landscape
viii. Community-led development
Further more information on the RDPE and the schemes see
www.sw-ruralgateway.info
Organisations involved in delivering RDPE
The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable
economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential. It
works in partnership with public, private and social purpose
organisations to drive up the region's productivity by giving
people the skills they need, encouraging enterprise, improving
infrastructure, regenerating places and promoting the strengths of
the region. For more information see www.southwestrda.org.uk
Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve
and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban,
coastal and marine areas. It conserves and enhances the natural
environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of
people, and the economic prosperity it brings. For more information
see www.naturalengland.org.uk Environmental Stewardship (ES) was
launched in 2005, builds on the very best practice already evident
in British farming. During the period 2007-13 the national budget
for ES will be £2.9 billion. The objectives of ES are to:
- Conserve wildlife (biodiversity).
- Maintain and enhance landscape quality and character.
- Protect the historic environment and natural resources.
- Promote public access and understanding of the
countryside.
- Natural resource protection.
The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible
for forestry in Great Britain. It supports woodland owners with
grants, tree felling licences, regulation and advice; promotes the
benefits of forests and forestry; and advises Government on
forestry policy. For further information, visit
www.forestry.gov.uk/england-swe
Contact Details
Name Pat Murray - South West RDA
Tel 07733 264756
Email pat.murray@southwestrda.org.uk