21/10/03 - Future of the Crofton Trust Estate

Revitalisation of the County Council’s Estate at Crofton, near Thursby, moved a step closer today with the Cabinet’s decision to proceed with the transfer of the Estate to Voluntary Action Cumbria.

The existing Estate would be renewed and converted to a hub for social enterprises.  There would be a mix of inputs from the private, public and voluntary sectors.  The project is planned to include small scale workshops, a café, and training facilities, based on themes such as local food and woodland produce.  New local employment opportunities are likely.  Developments on site would be sympathetic to the history of the Crofton Estate.   

Tim Heslop, Cabinet Portfolio holder for Property, says   

“Voluntary Action Cumbria’s proposals offer an exciting programme of development for the Crofton Estate, which has been in need of upgrading for some time.  I believe that there is a real opportunity here to help to regenerate part of the rural economy of Cumbria which suffered badly during the foot and mouth disease”.   

Kate Braithwaite, Chief Executive of Voluntary Action Cumbria states:   

“We are pleased that there has been such a positive response to VAC’s proposals for the Crofton Estate from the County Council and local residents.  We look forward to work closely together to turn the vision into reality”.